Turkey faces challenge 'beyond comprehension' to clear earthquake rubble

A dump site of earthquake rubble is seen next to a brick and cement block factory on the outskirts of Antakya in Hatay province, Turkey February 25, 2023. REUTERS/Ece Toksabay

ANTAKYA, Turkey (Reuters) - After the deadliest earthquake in its modern history, Turkey faces the daunting task of disposing of hundreds of millions of tonnes of rubble, some of it potentially harmful.

The Feb. 6 earthquake and aftershocks left at least 156,000 buildings either completely collapsed or damaged to the point where they require demolition, Turkish authorities said, with whole areas of cities reduced to shattered concrete and steel.