Key Points
- The body of Sydney man Can Pahali has been found under the rubble of collapsed buildings in Turkey.
- DFAT says the Australian government is helping about 40 Australians and their families in the earthquake zone.
- Australia has sent a rescue team to Turkey, while also offering an initial $10 million in aid.
A Sydney man has died in the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey, as Australian officials support 50 other Australians and their families known to be in the disaster zone.
Can Pahali's body was found in rubble after members of his family flew from Australia to help search for him.
A family member told AAP he was heading to the site where Mr Pahali's body had been found in the rubble of a collapsed building, to dig his uncle out.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told parliament he was deeply saddened to have received a report an Australian had tragically lost their life.
"Our thoughts (are) with all those who have loved ones back in Turkey, Syria and in the region and our hope is good news presents itself," he said on Thursday.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to provide consular assistance to Australians unaccounted for, of whom tragically there are a number at this point in time.
"Their safety is our immediate priority and we understand how difficult the situation is for their loved ones back here."
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman said consular teams in Turkey and Lebanon were working hard to help family members concerned about their loved ones.
"We are supporting around 50 other Australians and their families who were in the earthquake area and have asked for support with crisis accommodation, short- term loans and travel documents," he said.
"Australian diplomatic missions in Ankara, Istanbul and Beirut are doing all they can in difficult circumstances to reach out to Australians reported to be in the area."
Mr Pahali's family had urged the Australian government on Wednesday to help in the search for him, as he was visiting his sister in the badly affected Hatay province.
The magnitude 7.8 quake has claimed the lives of more than 12,000 people in Turkey and neighbouring Syria since it struck in the southern Turkish province of Kahramanmaras on Monday.
Mr Pahali was an active community member in Sydney's inner-west suburb of Glebe.
A friend paid tribute to Mr Pahali, who was also known as "John", in a social media group.
"A sad update. In recent hours John's (Can Pahali's) body has been recovered from earthquake rubble in Turkiye," the post said.
"He has had a wonderful six months reuniting with his large family in different areas of his country.
"He is now with his beloved Jesus. God bless you John! We shall miss you so much."
In a previous post, the friend said Mr Pahali would be remembered for "making wonderful feasts and food for Have A Chat Cafe".
"His nephew's flown from Sydney to help in the search for him and other family members, also now missing," the post said.
"Pray for him and his family in Turkey and here in Australia."
