Survivors in earthquake zone may need help for years to come, say aid groups

Children walk between tents, in Aslanli, southeastern Turkey (Kamran Jebreili/AP)

Humanitarian groups working in southern Turkey and northwest Syria have warned survivors in the earthquake zone will require help for months, or even years, after the rescue and recovery missions end.

Among the worst in recent history, the 7.8 magnitude earthquake has killed at least 23,200 in the region and left tens of thousands more homeless, with thousands taking refuge in shopping malls, stadiums, mosques and community centres.