Ankara, 6 February 2023 (TDI): An intense earthquake measuring 7.8 in magnitude struck southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria early Monday. The quake’s epicenter occurred near the Turkish city of Gaziantep, and it was felt as far away as Cyprus.
The magnitude of Monday’s earthquake was determined to be 7.8 by the United States (US) Geological Survey. At least 20 aftershocks occurred many hours later during daylight, with the greatest measuring 6.6.
According to Erdogan, there have been 912 fatalities and 5,383 injuries. Syria’s national news agency also reported more than 320 deaths and over 1,000 injuries.
The President stated that the authorities could not estimate how high the death toll could increase as search and rescue activities proceeded. He claimed that so far, 45 nations have pledged their help.
The President of Türkiye said, “We hope that we will get through this calamity together as quickly as possible and with the least damage imaginable.”
Residents and first responders from different locations are working together to seek those who could have survived the disaster. They are going through twisted metal and enormous slabs of concrete.
From Hama to Diyarbakir, Türkiye, to the Syrian cities of Aleppo, more than 330 kilometers (200 miles) to the northeast, buildings were reported to have collapsed. Iskanderoun, a town on the Mediterranean coast, had the collapse of a hospital.
Around 2,800 search and rescue teams are currently operating in the areas affected by the tragedy. Many nations, from Russia to Germany, have offered to assist, whether in medical supplies, search teams, or financial contributions.
Mosques throughout the region have opened as a refuge for people who cannot return to their damaged houses due to cold conditions.
Türkiye – Earthquakes
Due to its location on several significant fault lines, Türkiye experiences regular earthquakes. In 1999, a series of severe earthquakes struck the northwestern region of Türkiye, claiming the lives of over 18,000 people.
