A strong earthquake has hit Turkey, causing further damage to buildings in Antakya, a city already devastated by a 7.8-magnitude quake on February 6 that killed over 44,000 people in Turkey and Syria. The latest tremor occurred at 20.04 local time (17.04 GMT), according to Turkey's disaster and emergency agency, Afad. Witnesses reported feeling the quake in Syria, Egypt, and Lebanon.
People Trapped under Rubble
The mayor of Hatay, in southern Turkey, has confirmed that people are trapped under rubble following the latest earthquake, and Turkish authorities have recorded more than 6,000 aftershocks since the February 6 earthquake. Today's tremor, however, felt much stronger than previous ones, as reported by the BBC team in the region.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
As lines of ambulances and rescue crews rush to some of the worst affected areas, there is fear and panic, and small aftershocks continue to occur. Structures that were left standing after the February 6 tremor have now crumbled, including a bridge. Cracks in roads have become deep scars, making it more challenging for the emergency services to reach where they may be needed.
Local Resident Describes the Earthquake
Muna Al Omar, a local resident, recounted her experience, telling Reuters that she was in a tent in a park in central Antakya when the earthquake hit. "I thought the earth was going to split open under my feet," she said, crying as she held her seven-year-old son. "Is there going to be another aftershock?" she asked.
Scenes of Panic and Injuries
An AFP journalist reported scenes of panic in Antakya, with the latest tremors raising clouds of dust in the city. The walls of badly damaged buildings also crumbled, and several apparently injured people called for help. Ali Mazlum said he was looking for the bodies of family members from the previous earthquake when the latest one hit. "You don't know what to do... we grabbed each other, and right in front of us, the walls started to fall. It felt like the earth was opening up to swallow us up," he said.
Afad's Warning
Afad has urged people to stay away from coastlines as a precaution against the risk of rising sea levels, although the warning was later removed. In Syria, the White Helmets civil defense group reported several people injured by falling buildings.
Conclusion
The latest earthquake in Turkey has caused further damage and panic in an already devastated region. Emergency services are rushing to the worst affected areas, and people are still trapped under rubble. The situation remains uncertain, and further aftershocks may occur. The people affected by this earthquake need all the support and help they can get.
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