Devastating 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Turkey and Syria
What to Know?
A swath of devastation and ruin was left in its wake by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria on Monday. The consequences of this disaster will be felt for some time to come in the area with thousands of people dead, as well as numerous injuries and homeless people. This article will examine what occurred, the kind of earthquake that occurred, why it was so catastrophic, and whether earthquakes frequently occur in this region.
What Happened?
According to the US Geological Survey, the 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which was centred in southern Turkey close to Syria’s northern border, occurred at a depth of 11 miles (18 kilometres). Many aftershocks were reported in the hours that followed, and the earthquake was felt throughout. The area had witnessed 13 aftershocks of at least magnitude 5 in the first 11 hours. Nine hours after the first shock, the area was slammed by another powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5. Scientists concur that the two earthquakes are related, even though they are currently investigating the two to see if the second one was an aftershock of the first.
What Type of Earthquake Was This?
A strike-slip earthquake occurs when two tectonic plates pass each other horizontally and causes a large earthquake. There are numerous fragments of the Earth, which collide at fault lines. The two plates can abruptly snap past one another when enough strain is present, releasing a significant quantity of energy. In this instance, one plate shifted west while the other moved east, resulting in the earthquake’s 7.8 magnitude. In the days, weeks, and months to come, it is anticipated that aftershocks will persist.
Are Earthquakes Common in This Area?
The earthquake occurred in a seismically active area known as the East Anatolian fault zone, which has a history of producing damaging earthquakes. The region is not unfamiliar with earthquakes, as Turkey was struck by another major earthquake in January 2020 – a magnitude 6.7 that caused significant damage in the eastern part of the country. In 1999, a 7.4 magnitude quake struck near Istanbul and killed an estimated 18,000 people.
Why Was This Earthquake So Devastating?
This earthquake was particularly devastating due to its magnitude and its proximity to heavily populated areas. The epicenter was near Gaziantep, a major city and provincial capital in Turkey. The region is also home to many vulnerable buildings, which were not designed to withstand the shaking. Collapses were reported in many buildings, with “pancake” collapses being a sign that the buildings could not absorb the shaking. Rescue efforts have been hindered by freezing temperatures and traffic jams from people trying to flee the earthquake-stricken areas.
Summary
Extremely devastating, the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria will have long-lasting effects on the region. Even though there are frequent earthquakes in the region, this one was particularly destructive because of its size, proximity to densely inhabited areas, and the susceptibility of many of the local structures. Rescue operations are still underway in the wake of the catastrophe, but the repercussions won’t be realised for a while.