06 Feb 2023 | 05:02 AM UTC
Turkey, Syria: Disruptions ongoing after magnitude-7.8 earthquake in southern Turkey at 03:17 TRT Feb. 6; extensive damages reported /update 2
Disruptions ongoing after magnitude-7.8 earthquake in southern Turkey at 03:17 TRT Feb. 6. Damages, casualties reported.
Event
Disruptions are ongoing across parts of Lebanon, Syria, and southern and central Turkey following a magnitude-7.8 earthquake that occurred in southern Turkey at around 03:17 TRT Feb. 6. The epicenter was about 37 km (23 miles) west-northwest of Gaziantep. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 24 km (14 miles), and strong shaking was reportedly felt through southern and central Turkey, Syria, and northern Lebanon, with moderate-to-light shaking reported in parts of Israel and Northern Cyprus.
Initial reports indicate at least 53 deaths in Turkey and another 40 in Syria. Reports suggest that several buildings have sustained extensive damage across Syria and Turkey. Many are reportedly trapped under building rubble. Several aftershocks have occurred, including two immediately after the quake. A magnitude-6.7 earthquake occurred around 21 km (13 miles) south-southwest of Kahramanmaras at a depth of 9 km (5 miles) at around 03:28 TRT, followed by a magnitude-5.6 earthquake which occurred around 45 km (28 miles) east of Osmaniye at a depth of 10 km (6 miles) at around 03:36 TRT. Further aftershocks are occurring.
It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Strong-to-moderate aftershocks are likely over the coming days. Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
Advice
Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.
