Turkey, Syria: Recovery operations and associated disruptions likely to continue in earthquake hit-areas through at least March /update 14

Event

Recovery operations and associated disruptions are likely to continue across parts of southern and east-central Turkey and northwestern Syria through at least the end of March following major earthquakes in the region Feb. 6. As of Feb. 20, rescue operations have ended in most areas and operations are expected to largely focus on rubble removal and reconstruction. Aftershocks are still ongoing in the region and will likely continue over the coming weeks.

A magnitude-7.8 earthquake occurred around 37 km (23 miles) west-northwest of Gaziantep at around 04:17 Feb. 6 and was followed by a magnitude-7.5 earthquake near Ekinozu in Kahramanmaras Province at around 13:24 Feb. 6. Thousands of aftershocks have been recorded since the initial quake; however, these are beginning to decline in frequency and intensity. The earthquakes have caused mass casualties and widespread damage across parts of southern and east-central Turkey and northwestern Syria.

As of Feb. 20, casualty reports indicate more than 41,000 deaths in Turkey and at least 5,800 deaths in Syria; more than 100,000 others have been injured in Turkey and over 11,000 in Syria. The death toll will likely continue to increase in the coming weeks as bodies are recovered from the rubble. Tens of thousands of local and international aid and emergency services personnel are operating in the region to provide assistance to the hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the earthquakes. Around 24.4 million people are estimated to have been affected by the earthquakes across Turkey and Syria.

Authorities in Turkey declared a three-month state of emergency across Adana, Aiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, Kilis, Malatya, Osmnaiye, and Sanliurfa provinces on Feb. 7. Elazig Province was added to the disaster zone Feb. 16. Extensive structural damage has been reported across the affected provinces; more than 100,000 buildings have either collapsed or been destroyed beyond repair, and hundreds of thousands more have been partially damaged across the affected provinces. Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated from earthquake-hit areas of Turkey, and more than one million people are being housed in temporary accommodations across the affected provinces. Widespread utility outages are ongoing across the region, especially in remote areas. All major airports, ports, and main arterial roads in the region are open as of Feb. 20; however, temporary road closures are possible due to ongoing emergency response efforts.

In Syria, the earthquakes caused severe damage across parts of Aleppo, Hama, Idlib, Latakia, and Tartus provinces. More than 9,000 buildings were completely or partially destroyed across parts of rebel-controlled areas of northwestern Syria, and nearly 50,000 people need temporary accommodation. The White Helmets civil defense agency has previously declared a disaster zone in northwest Syria due to the extensive damage caused. Tens of thousands of people have also been displaced in Aleppo and Latakia provinces. Over 100 buildings in Aleppo have collapsed, and hundreds more are at risk of collapsing.

Further moderate aftershocks are likely over the coming days and weeks. Ongoing utility outages are likely, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Consider avoiding nonessential travel to the impacted area in the coming weeks. If operating in the area, 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. Reconfirm the status of transportation and roads before departure. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.