Deadly 7.8 Quake Rocks South-Eastern Turkey and Syria
A massive earthquake has struck south-eastern Turkey close to the Syrian border, killing over 100 people and leaving many trapped under rubble. The terrifying 7.8 magnitude tremor hit early this morning at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) near Gaziantep city, shaking the region to its core.
Death Toll Rises Across 10 Cities
Turkish officials confirmed at least 76 deaths so far, with multiple fatalities reported across ten cities including Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, and Malatya. State media in Syria have reported over 50 dead, adding to fears the casualties could soar as rescue teams comb through collapsed buildings.
- Malatya province saw at least 23 deaths.
- Sanliurfa recorded 17 fatalities.
- Further deaths reported in Osmaniye and Diyarbakir.
Quake Felt as Far as Lebanon and Cyprus
The tremors were strong enough to be felt in Lebanon and Cyprus, causing panic. Beirut student Mohamad El Chamaa described the scene: “I was writing when the entire building started shaking. I was right next to a window and feared it would shatter. It lasted about 45 minutes – absolutely terrifying.”
Aftershocks and Turkey’s Earthquake Risk
Turkish seismologists estimated the quake’s magnitude at 7.4 and reported a strong aftershock minutes later. Situated on one of the world’s most active fault lines, Turkey is no stranger to devastating earthquakes. In 1999, a major tremor in the north-west killed over 17,000 people, underscoring the country’s ongoing vulnerability.
Authorities have dispatched urgent rescue teams across the hardest-hit areas, but hopes are fading as trapped survivors face the dangers of collapsing structures and cold winter conditions.
