Catastrophic Earthquake leaves trail of destruction in Turkey and Syria
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the region near Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023, leaving behind a trail of destruction and devastation. The earthquake was one of the strongest in the region in a century, affecting residents in Lebanon and Israel, as well as the affected areas. In Turkey, over 1,651 people have died and thousands are injured, while in Syria, over 1,050 have lost their lives, with 570 reported in government-controlled areas, and 480 in opposition-controlled areas. The epicenter of the earthquake was located 23 kilometers east of Nurdagi, in Turkey’s Gaziantep province, and was 24.1 kilometers deep, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake, which hit early Monday morning at around 4 a.m., was followed by several aftershocks, with the largest measuring 7.5 in magnitude, hitting around nine hours after the initial quake.
Several countries have sent rescue workers to help with the search and rescue efforts for trapped civilians. The harsh weather conditions in the region, including rain and snow, have made the rescue efforts even more challenging. This earthquake is believed to be the strongest to hit Turkey since 1939, when a similar magnitude earthquake resulted in 30,000 deaths. Earthquakes of this magnitude are rare, with fewer than five occurring globally each year on average. The earthquake has had a devastating impact on the region, with entire city blocks destroyed and buildings left in ruins. The efforts of medical relief organizations, such as the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), to provide support have also been hampered by the destruction of buildings.
Eyewitnesses reported the experience of the earthquake to be like “Armageddon,” with strong aftershocks felt in southern and central Turkey. CNN producer Eyad Kourdi, who was in Gaziantep when the earthquake struck, described the aftershocks as being extremely intense, with up to eight “very strong” aftershocks occurring in under a minute. Kourdi reported visiting neighboring towns, where the situation was even more catastrophic. The earthquake has left a deep impact on the region and its residents, who are struggling to come to terms with the loss of lives and destruction caused by this natural disaster. The rescue efforts are ongoing, and it remains to be seen what the long-term impact of this earthquake will be.
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