Istanbul: It is reported that more than 500 people have died in a strong earthquake in Turkey and neighbouring Syria. Thousands of people have been injured. In southeast Turkey, an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale was felt. There have been reports of about twelve aftershocks.
People were sleeping in Istanbul, Turkey, and Syria when a powerful earthquake struck and collapsed buildings. People were trapped between the buildings before they realised what was happening.
Both countries lost hundreds of people. Many people are still trapped between the buildings. Around ten Turkish cities were severely damaged. Video footage has emerged of natural gas pipes bursting and catching fire. In Syria, only the death tolls in government-controlled areas have been released.
So far, authorities have reported 237 deaths in Syria and 284 deaths in Turkey. Cyprus and Lebanon were both affected by the earthquake.
Rescue teams and aircraft have been dispatched to the area surrounding Kahramanmaras, where Turkey has declared a “level 4 alarm” and requested international assistance.
According to Syrian state media, several buildings in Aleppo province were destroyed.
“The United States stands ready to provide all necessary assistance,” tweeted National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
The earthquake happened at 4:17 a.m. local time. About 15 minutes later, the USGS reported another 6.7-magnitude earthquake. Turkey is one of the world’s most active earthquake zones. A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck in 1999. Many people were killed in the earthquake. Experts have long predicted that a major earthquake could devastate Istanbul. The widespread construction of buildings without safety precautions is a hazard.
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