Turkey, Syria: Magnitude-7.5 aftershock occurs in southern Turkey at around 13:24 Feb. 6 following earlier major earthquake /update 4

Event

A magnitude-7.5 earthquake occurred in southern Turkey at around 10:24 Feb. 6. The quake was likely an aftershock to a magnitude-7.8 termor that occurred in the area at around 04:17 Feb. 6. The major aftershock occurred around 4 km (3 miles) south-southeast of Ekinozu and heavy shaking was likely felt throughout parts of southern Turkey and into northern Syria. Widespread damage and disruptions are ongoing across parts of southern Turkey and northern Syria following the magnitude-7.8 earthquake and the high-intensity aftershock will likely cause further damages and casualties, as well as hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

Authorities in Turkey have closed Hatay Airport (HTY) due to damage, while all civilian flights at Gaziantep International Airport (GZT) have been suspended. Operations at Ceyhan Port in Adana Province have also been suspended. Updated casualty reports indicate at least 912 deaths in Turkey and over 320 deaths in Syria; more than 6,000 injuries have also been reported. The death toll will almost certainly increase in the coming hours.

Extensive structural damage has been reported, with hundreds of buildings collapsing in Turkish cities, including Adana, Antep, Kilis, Hatay, Osmaniye, Andiyaman, Diyarbakir, and Sanliurfa. Many people are reportedly trapped under building rubble. In Syria, collapsed buildings are being reported in the cities of Aleppo and Hama. Disruptions are also likely across parts of northern Lebanon, where shaking was also felt in Beirut. Power and internet outages have been reported in parts of southern Turkey.

Several strong 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 04:28, 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 04:36. 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. Utility outages are likely, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Vacate multistoried buildings or unreinforced structures in areas where strong shaking occurred; aftershocks could cause additional damage. Cellular networks may be overwhelmed; use text messaging if services are available. Due to the threat of landslides, seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected area.