7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Turkey and Syria: 500+ Dead and Rising

The Syrian-Turkish border region was tragically hit by a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake on February 6, 2023. Hundreds of lives (more than 500 and still rising) were instantly claimed in the powerful tremors and many more have been injured or left trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings. Rescue efforts are ongoing as officials from both countries declare a state of emergency and are imploring citizens to refrain from using their mobile phones to allow for better communication between first responders. The tremor originated near Gaziantep in Turkey but seismic waves could be felt as far away as Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus, and other surrounding countries.

In its wake, the quake has caused unmeasurable destruction to homes and infrastructure along with unimaginable heartache for those affected. Rescuers have endured difficult terrain and hazardous conditions while they search tirelessly for survivors while aid workers are attending to those who are injured or displaced by the disaster. In addition to human losses, there is also substantial damage to businesses, roads, bridges, powerlines and other services that will take significant investment to repair.

This tragedy serves as a reminder for us all that disasters can strike quickly and without warning; however, it is also an opportunity for us all to come together in support of those affected by providing whatever means we can alongside words of comfort and prayers.

Here are posts as shared on official news sites online and posts on social media about the earthquake: