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AAP
AAP
National
Paul Osborne and Tess Ikonomou

Australian man dead after devastating Turkey earthquake

Sydney man Can Pahali is among more than 12,000 people killed by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. (PR HANDOUT IMAGE PHOTO) (AAP)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has extended his condolences to the family of a Sydney man who died in the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey.

Can Pahali's body was found in rubble after members of his family flew from Australia to help search for him.

Mr 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.

"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 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 from underneath.

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 struck the southern Turkish province of Kahramanmaras on Monday, which has claimed the lives of more than 12,000 people in the country and neighbouring Syria.

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."

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is assisting about 40 Australians and their families who were in the earthquake area.

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."

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