New earthquake causes further devastation in Turkey, Syria
Published:Monday | February 20, 2023 | 2:55 PM
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A new 6.4 magnitude earthquake on Monday struck parts of Turkey and Syria that were laid waste two weeks ago by a massive quake that killed around 45,000 people.
Officials said more buildings collapsed, trapping occupants, and several people were injured in both countries, but there were no immediate reports of fatalities.
Monday's earthquake was centred in the town of Defne, in Turkey's Hatay province, one the worst-hit regions in the magnitude 7.8 quake that hit on February 6.
It was felt in Syria, Jordan, Israel and as far away as Egypt, and was followed by a second, magnitude 5.8 temblor.
A number of buildings collapsed in the new quake, trapping people inside, Hatay's mayor Lutfu Savas said.
He told NTV television that those trapped may be people who had either returned to homes or were trying move furniture from damaged homes.
There were no immediate reports of any fatalities.
Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said at least eight people were hospitalised in Turkey. Syria's state news agency, SANA, reported that six people were injured in Aleppo from falling debris.
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