On Feb. 7, 2023, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck the Turkey-Syria border region, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). Two Reuters witnesses reported a strong quake and further damage to buildings in central Antakya, which had already been hit by two massive earthquakes two weeks prior, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and destruction of buildings and infrastructure.
Witnesses reported Turkish rescue teams running around after the latest quake, checking that people were unharmed. Muna Al Omar, a resident, recounted being in a tent in a park in central Antakya when the earthquake hit and said, “I thought the earth was going to split open under my feet.” She asked, “Is there going to be another aftershock?”
An aerial view of the area showed collapsed and damaged buildings following the quake. (Umit Bektas/Reuters)
By Ali Kucukgocmen