Ankara: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale shook central Turkey in the early hours of Monday and was followed by another strong earthquake. The earthquake was centered about 33 kilometers (20 mi) from Gaziantep, a major city and provincial capital. It was about 26 kilometers (16 mi) from the town of Nurdagi.
According to the US Geological Survey, it was centered at a depth of 18 kilometers (11 mi). According to Turkish media reports, tremors were felt in Lebanon, Syria and Cyprus. The southern region of Gaziantep – one of Turkey’s major industrial and manufacturing centers – borders Syria.
The damaged M7.8 EQ landed in southern Turkey near the Syrian border at ~4 PM local time. The PAGER is red for this event; There is a possibility of extensive damage. Our hearts go out to those affected. Look @Kandilli_info for local information. https://t.co/dMyc6ZVrE1 https://t.co/0OxrznZf1v pic.twitter.com/eco071JqVm– USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) February 6, 2023
Although there were no reports of casualties, several videos posted on social media platforms showed buildings damaged by the earthquake in several cities in the country’s southeast.
Several apartment buildings collapsed after a powerful earthquake in southern Turkey pic.twitter.com/wydrBj94RL– BNO News (@BNONews) February 6, 2023
#Breaking: A powerful earthquake of 7.8 magnitude occurred in southern Turkey
#Gaziantep Ale #turkey
A devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake has just hit southern Turkey near Gaziantep, causing widespread damage and many people were reported trapped in collapsed buildings. pic.twitter.com/dICGsAhUf3— Rawsalerts (@rawsalerts) February 6, 2023
Several residential buildings/apartment complexes have collapsed as a result of a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey.
The number of injured and dead may increase. Rescue operation going on.. pic.twitter.com/TvYi3DQzkz– Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) February 6, 2023
It may be noted that Turkey comes under one of the most active earthquake zones in the world. In 1999, a strong 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Duse, killing more than 17,000 people, including nearly 1,000 in Istanbul – the worst to hit Turkey in decades.
Seismologists have long warned that a major earthquake could devastate Istanbul, which has allowed extensive construction without safety precautions.