Devastating 7.8 Earthquake Shakes South-Eastern Turkey, Killing Over 100
Massive Tremor Near Syrian Border
A huge 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit south-eastern Turkey close to the Syrian border in the early hours, killing more than 100 people and leaving many trapped under rubble. The US Geological Survey confirmed the quake struck at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) near Gaziantep, plunging 17.9km deep.
Aftershocks Add to Fears
Turkish seismologists reported a second strong tremor minutes after the initial shock, estimating its strength at 7.4. The region is no stranger to powerful earthquakes, sitting on one of the world’s most volatile fault lines.
Witnesses Recall Horrifying Moments
“I was writing when the whole building started shaking. I didn’t know what to feel,” said Mohamad El Chamaa, a student in Beirut, Lebanon. “I was next to a window and feared the glass would shatter. It lasted about 45 minutes and was terrifying.”
Turkey’s Earthquake History
The nation has faced deadly quakes before, including a catastrophic tremor in 1999 that killed more than 17,000 people in the north-west. The latest disaster underscores the ongoing threat in this seismically unstable region.
