Late on Monday, the Turkey-Syria border region was hit by an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, causing panic and building damage in Turkey’s Antakya city. This event occurred just two weeks after the country’s worst earthquake in modern history, which resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives.
According to two Reuters witnesses, the earthquake was powerful, with its epicenter located in central Antakya, and caused additional damage to buildings in the area. Additionally, Reuters reporters stated that the earthquake was felt in Egypt and Lebanon.
Turkey & Syria are still suffering. @nemetschekgroup we have launched an "Employee Giving Program" supporting 2 charities delivering help. Our Group doubles each € donated by employees. Our hearts & prayers are with all affected.https://t.co/Ho2MZmuO8g | https://t.co/eKvzzGRFeD pic.twitter.com/albA9SHULb
— mediarelations@nemetschek.com (@nemetschekgroup) February 20, 2023
According to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 2km (1.2 miles). Reports from other sources indicate that Turkish rescue teams were actively searching for any individuals who may have been affected by the tremor.
While residing in a tent at a park in central Antakya, Muna Al Omar experienced the earthquake. She expressed her thoughts on the matter by stating, “I felt as though the ground would tear apart beneath me,” and was seen weeping while holding her 7-year-old son.
“Will there be any more aftershocks?” she inquired.
The pair of larger earthquakes that occurred on February 6th not only affected neighboring Syria but also rendered over a million individuals homeless and resulted in a death toll that far exceeds the most recent official count of 46,000 people across both countries.
