Turkey, Syria: Widespread disruptions and damage as death toll continues to rise following series of earthquakes in southern Turkey Feb. 6 /update 5

Event

Widespread disruptions are ongoing across parts of southern and east-central Turkey and northwestern Syria following a series of major earthquakes on the Turkish side of the border Feb. 6. A magnitude-7.8 earthquake occurred around 37 km (23 miles) west-northwest of Gaziantep at around 04:17 Feb. 6 and has been followed by more than 100 moderate-to-strong aftershocks, including a magnitude-6.7 tremor 21 km (13 miles) at around 04:28. Nine hours after the first major quake, a magnitude-7.5 earthquake occurred near Ekinozu in Kahramanmaras Province at around 13:24 Feb. 6. It is unclear if this second major tremor was an aftershock of the initial quake; however, it has also been followed by a number of significant aftershocks, including a magnitude-6.0 quake around 5 km (3 miles) northeast of Goksun, Kahramanmaras Province. The ongoing seismic activity is likely causing further damage to buildings weakened by preceding tremors, as well as hampering ongoing recovery efforts.

Latest casualty reports indicate nearly 1,500 deaths in Turkey and more than 800 deaths in Syria; more than 10,000 others have been injured and response operations are ongoing to find hundreds of others trapped in the rubble. The death toll will almost certainly increase in the coming hours.

Extensive structural damage has been reported across Adana, Aiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, Kilis, Malatya, Osmnaiye, and Sanliurfa provinces in Turkey. Some minor damage has been reported in surrounding provinces. As of late afternoon Feb. 6, authorities in Turkey have reported nearly 3,000 buildings have been destroyed by the earthquakes. In Syria, severe damage has been reported across parts of Aleppo, Hama, Idlib, Latakia, and Tartus provinces. The White Helmets civil defense agency has declared a disaster zone in northwestern Syria due to the extensive damage caused. Disruptions are also likely across parts of northern Lebanon, where shaking was also felt in Beirut.

Authorities in Turkey have closed Hatay Airport (HTY) due to damage, while all civilian flights at Gaziantep International Airport (GZT) and Kahramanmaras Airport (KCM) have been suspended to prioritize access for rescue teams and relief supplies. Power and internet outages have been reported in parts of southern Turkey and damages have been reported along natural gas distribution lines. Oil flows through the port of Ceyhan were temporarily suspended Feb. 6.

It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Further strong-to-moderate aftershocks are likely over the coming days. Utility outages are likely, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Avoid nonessential travel to the impacted area. 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.