Deadliest Earthquake in Modern History Hits Turkey and Syria, Causes Billions in Damage and Affects Millions
On February 6, 2023, an earthquake measuring 7.8 magnitude hit southeastern Turkey near the Syrian border. This was followed by another earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude around 59 miles southwest nine hours later. The earthquake near Gaziantep in south-central Turkey was the strongest recorded there since 1939 and the most devastating earthquake to hit Turkey in more than 20 years. The Turkish government responded by declaring a level-4 emergency and calling for international assistance, and the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and the Turkish Red Crescent led the coordination efforts. Governments around the world sent rescue teams and offered aid. As of March 1, more than 11,000 aftershocks have occurred, and more are expected in the future. The confirmed death toll is 59,259, with 50,783 in Turkey and 8,476 in Syria. This makes it the deadliest earthquake in Turkey since the 526 Antioch earthquake and the deadliest natural disaster in its modern history. Damages we