North Macedonia's Embassy in Ankara has deployed two vehicles to transport the students to the Turkish capital later on Tuesday. The students will then be transported to Istanbul, where temporary accommodation has been provided until they leave for North Macedonia, which is planned for Wednesday. The group includes two students who sustained injuries in Monday's disastrous earthquake, but are now in good health and feeling well, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

According to information received on Tuesday morning, the confirmed death toll in Turkey following the devastating earthquake has passed 3,300. More than 20,000 people were injured, and more than 6,000 buildings were reported to have collapsed. 

For the time being, the Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul have not reported receiving any further information about other Macedonian nationals who are possibly in distress, or who need assistance. The diplomatic and consular missions remain open for any assistance as needed.

The Foreign Ministry notes that diplomatic and consular missions in Turkey are available 24/7 for all inquiries regarding citizens impacted by the earthquake on the following hotlines: +905394569710 in Ankara, +905456149777 in Istanbul, as well as MFA’s +SOS in Skopje +38975273732.