Turkey Hit by Unusually Large Aftershock After First Earthquake
On Friday, Turkey was struck by an earthquake followed shortly by an unusually large aftershock. The 6.8-magnitude quake on Friday shook the town of Sivrice, located in the eastern Elazig province. It was followed by a 5.7 magnitude aftershock that same night that could be felt throughout the western part of the country.
Impact on Local Population
The earthquake and aftershock destroyed hundreds of buildings and injured more than 900 people. Those injured were treated in hospitals and field clinics as rescue teams worked tirelessly to search for survivors in the rubble. Unfortunately, 37 people have been confirmed dead so far.
Aftershock Measured at Unusually High Level
The aftershock registered at a 5.7 magnitude, which is considered twice as strong as the original 6.8 earthquake. According to the US Geological Survey, earthquakes of 6.8 magnitude can cause “severe damage”, whereas the 5.7 aftershock can cause “considerable damage”.
Widespread Fear in Turkey
The residents of Sivrice, as well as the rest of Turkey, are on edge due to the recent natural disaster. Reports of emotional distress among the locals have been brought to light and the country is still on high alert in case of aftershocks.
What Did Scientists Say?
Experts have said that it is not uncommon for aftershocks to register at a higher magnitude than the original earthquake. However, they have added that having a magnitude of 5.7 is uncommon, especially after an earthquake registering at 6.8.
Safety Measures Being Taken
In the wake of this tragedy, the government is taking necessary safety precautions to protect its citizens from any possibility of further destruction. Local authorities have established shelters for residents, and the Red Crescent is helping with evacuation and relief efforts.
Turkey is a seismically active region and incidents like these are all too common. Steps are being taken to ensure that the locals are safe and the damage is minimized, but unfortunately, earthquakes can be unpredictable and the possibility of danger still looms.
Turkey was struck by an unusually large aftershock after the initial earthquake that occurred in the nation late on Friday night.
The 6.7 magnitude earthquake triggered a national emergency response and demolition of buildings will take place in the most affected areas. 30 people were killed in the earthquake, while more than 1500 were injured.
The aftershock, which hit four minutes after the first quake, was recorded at 4.7 magnitude and was also felt in the neighbouring countries of Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia and Armenia.
The aftershock was centered near the town of Ezine, located in the north-west province of Canakkale, according to the Disaster Management Presidency of Turkey. It has been reported that people living in the local area felt strong shaking and the ground shook for about 10 seconds.
At this time, it is unclear if the aftershock was an aftershock of the first earthquake or a smaller quake in another area near the Turkey-Greece border.
It is also expected that aftershocks will continue in the days to come and experts have advised people to be alert and to abandon buildings if they feel intense shaking or any danger.
The Turkish government also sent out a number of search and rescue teams to the sites of the quake and the most affected areas. They aim to save as many lives as possible, provide medical assistance and clear the roads blocked by rubble.
Despite the tragedy that occurred, the government has praised the people of Turkey for their courage and resilience in the face of this disaster.
Turkey has been hit by several earthquakes in the past and the nation has taken steps to reinforce buildings in the affected areas and make them less vulnerable to such disasters. However, this recent earthquake has clearly demonstrated the need for further safety precautions to ensure that people stay as safe as possible.