Deadly Turkey & Syria Earthquake: Latest Update -

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On February 6, 2023, a strong earthquake struck the area between Turkey and Syria that caused extensive damage and fatalities. The Elazig province of Turkey was the hardest hit by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which occurred in the early afternoon and was felt in both nations. Reports put the death toll, which has been increasing, as high as 20,000 victims.

Death toll update

Officials and medics said 44,218 people had died in Turkey and 5,914 in Syria from Monday’s 7.8-magnitude tremor, bringing the confirmed total to 50,132.

Last updated: 27th Feb, 2023

The aftershocks from the earthquake, including one with a similar magnitude, increased the damage and made rescue efforts more difficult. The region’s harsh sub-freezing weather made it difficult for rescue teams to reach the affected areas, complicating relief efforts.

Pictured: Father Mesut Hancer holds the hand of his daughter Irmakleyla, who was crushed to death when her home collapsed in Turkey. Monday's first massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck at 4:17 am (0117 GMT), while many were still asleep in their beds — Pictured: Father Mesut Hancer holds the hand of his daughter Irmakleyla, who was crushed to death when her home collapsed in Turkey. Monday’s first massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck at 4:17 am (0117 GMT), while many were still asleep in their beds

In order to help with relief efforts, the Turkish government has declared a state of emergency in Elazig and the nearby areas. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, sent his condolences to the families of the victims and pledged to help those who were harmed by the disaster.

The United States Geological Survey’s PAGER service estimates that there is a 34% probability of economic losses between $1 billion and $10 billion and a 30% probability of losses between $10 billion and $100 billion as a result of the earthquake. Risklayer projects a loss to the economy of about $20 billion USD (370 billion lira, 50 trillion LS).

Aleppo, Raqqa, and Hama are just a few of the Syrian cities where the earthquake was felt. The Syrian government has also issued an emergency declaration and dispatched rescue teams to help those in need. The number of people killed and the scope of the damage in Syria are still unknown due to the country’s raging civil war, which has made it challenging for aid organizations to reach the affected areas.

As a result of the earthquake, many nations, including the United States, have expressed concern and support for Turkey and Syria. The international community is cooperating to help those impacted by the disaster by providing aid and support.

The earthquake has also had an effect on the value of the Turkish Lira, which has dropped to a record low of 18.85 against the US dollar. The main stock exchange of the nation, Borsa Istanbul, experienced a significant decline of 8.6% on February 7 and a decline of more than 7% on February 8 before trading was suspended. Later, the exchange declared that it would be shut down for five days.

The devastating effects of natural disasters and the significance of disaster preparedness are brought home by this earthquake. The people of Turkey and Syria are in the hearts and prayers of the entire world as they work to respond to this catastrophe and start the process of healing and rebuilding.