A 7.8. earthquake has the potential of devastating damage, fatalities.
First reports say “massive damages.”
Turkey appeals for international aid.
A super strong earthquake measuring 7.9 occurred at 4.15 (4.15am) Monday morning (Feb 6, 2023) 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. Some initial report measured the quake as 8.1
Mass casualties expected at Turkish Earthquake
USGS rated this quake as a category red or violent, the second highest strength below extreme . USGS warns this earthquake is expected to have mass casualties potentially 10,000 or more.
Damage reports two hours after the first part of this story was reported include many collapsed buildings, people looking for victims, 170 deaths at 8.30 am in Turkey and 90 casualties so far in Syria. These numbers are expected to climb tremendously.
Red alert for economic losses means that extensive damage is probable and the disaster is likely widespread. Estimated economic losses are 0-1% GDP of Turkey. Past events with this alert level have required a national or international level response.
Structure Information Summary
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are extremely vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick masonry and low-rise nonductile concrete frame with infill construction.
Secondary Effects
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
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 is 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.
A reader said: The Earthquake in northern Syria. Extremely powerful. The building was full shaking. Very scary. Alhamdulillah all around are well.
Several aftershocks had been recorded within minutes after the first earthquake.
This story will be updated.
Readers in the region can contact eTurboNews to report updates.
