A Melbourne family have confirmed the death of their father who was caught in the devastating earthquake that hit Türkiye and Syria.
Key points:
- DFAT said it is aware of reports three Australian have died
- Suat Bayram, 69, was visiting family in Türkiye when the building he was in collapsed
- DFAT said its teams in Türkiye and Lebanon are supporting about 80 Australians and their families in the area
Suat Bayram, 69, was reportedly visiting Türkiye with family when the building they were in collapsed.
His family confirmed his death on social media on Saturday morning, saying their pain is immense, and have asked for privacy to allow them time to grieve.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it was "deeply saddened" by reports of Australian deaths and offered its condolences to their loved ones.
"DFAT is providing consular assistance to the families of an Australian woman and an Australian man whose remains have been identified by family members in Türkiye," it said.
"Our teams in Türkiye and Lebanon are supporting around 80 Australians and their families who were in the earthquake area.
"Australian diplomatic missions in Ankara, Istanbul and Beirut are doing all they can in difficult circumstances to support families and reach out to Australians reported to be in the area."
It said reports of the death of another Australian man are yet to be confirmed, but the department is providing consular assistance to his family.
The disaster has claimed nearly 24,000 lives across Türkiye and Syria, and left at least 80,000 others injured and millions homeless.
Family pleas for increased foreign aid
Mr Bayram's daughter Imren Bayram took to social media yesterday demanding urgent help to find her father.
"My father is still missing in Turkey. It's been five days since the earthquake occurred," she said.
"The Australian government has provided no helpful response or assistance.
"I have a very clear ask that the Australian government sends aid and assistance to where my father is. Time is critical!!!"
Ms Bayram said she contacted the Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, but was told there was "no-one available to speak with", and to make an appointment days in advance.
"What an absolute joke!! Yet again, another closed door," she said.
Ms Bayram said she was told DFAT had notified foreign aid agencies of her father's location, but there was "still no Australian aid in Turkey as yet".
Cabinet Minister Chris Bowen said he was unable to make any further information public at this time.
"I've seen the announcement made by, I think, that gentleman's daughter," Mr Bowen said.
"The government's hearts, and I'm sure every single Australian's heart goes to that family and the family of the other Australian killed – and indeed to everybody impacted by this earthquake."