I and II Leagues observe minute of silence for earthquake victims in Turkey

The games of the I and II Football Leagues, between Thursday and Monday, will be “preceded by a minute of silence” in respect for the victims of the earthquake in Turkey, the Portuguese Professional Football League said today

As a sign of respect for the victims of the earthquakes that occurred, Liga Portugal informs that the games taking place between the 9th and 13th of February will be preceded by a minute of silence”, the professional football body said in a statement.

On his official page, the president of the League, Pedro Proença, also expressed solidarity with everyone who was affected by the “catastrophe”, which has already caused more than 5,000 deaths in Turkey and Syria.

“We send our deepest condolences and a message of strength to everyone who was affected by this catastrophe. I leave a special hug to all the Portuguese and players who played in Professional Football”, said Pedro Proença, quoted by the League.

The earthquake occurred in the early hours of Monday, 33 kilometers from the capital of Gaziantep province, in southeastern Turkey, close to the border with Syria, at a depth of 17.9 kilometers.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.8 and dozens of aftershocks were felt, one of which was at least 7.6.

The provisional toll rose to more than five thousand dead, while rescue operations are underway in the rubble of destroyed buildings in both countries.

Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said today that the death toll on Turkish territory had risen to 3,419 and that 20,534 people were injured, and Syria today confirmed the deaths of 1,602 people