Felt in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel , Jordan, Cyprus

A 7.8. earthquake has the potential of devastating damage, fatalities.
First reports say “massive damages.”

A super strong earthquake measuring 7.9 occurred at 4.15 (4.15am) in Gaziantep, in Central Turkey.

USGS just upgraded the strength of the initial earthquake to 7.9, what is one of the strongest measured in that region ever.

The devastating San Francisco earthquake of 1906 had a 7.9 strength.

The population in the city of Gaziantep is more than 1 million people.

This quake was felt as far as Jerusalem throughout the region in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel and as far as Cyprus. It was felt throughout Turkey as well.

Massive damage are now reported across southern Turkey after this 7.9 Earthquake

A reader tweets:

The earthquake was felt strongly in our city as well. Please let’s wait outside without panicking. Let’s not go with cars. Let’s not keep the phones busy.

First pictures are showing severe damages.

Gaziantep, historically and still informally called Aintab or Antep, is a major city and capital of the Gaziantep Province, in the westernmost part of Turkey’s Southeastern Anatolia Region and partially in the Mediterranean Region, approximately 185 km east of Adana and 97 km north of Aleppo, Syria.

Several aftershocks are being recorded within minutes after the first earthquake.

Not many people should be on the streets at 4.15 am, but the potential of such a quake is enormous.

This fast-paced and epicurean city has around 180 pastry shops producing the world’s best pistachio baklava. Other culinary treats are also on offer for adventurous foodie travellers.

This story will be updated.

Readers in the region can contact eTurboNews to report updates.