February 5, 2023

A deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey late tonight has caused damage in Syria, and was felt in Lebanon, and Israel, as well. It has collapsed buildings, sparked fires in ruptured gas lines, and prompted Italian authorities to warn of potential tsunami waves. Aftershocks, including one of 6.7 magnitude and another of 5.6, have continued to hit in the wake of the first quake.

Millions of refugees from Syria’s civil war and internally displaced persons live in the region of the epicenter, in tents and other temporary housing. 

It is winter there.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a statement saying, “The United States is profoundly concerned by the reports of today’s destructive earthquake in Türkiye and Syria. We stand ready to provide any and all needed assistance. President Biden has directed USAID [the U.S. Agency for International Development, responsible for administering civilian foreign aid] and other federal government partners to assess U.S. response options to help those most affected. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with the Government of Türkiye.”

—

Notes:

Charles Lister @Charles_Lister

Horrific news of tonight’s earthquake in #Turkey & northern #Syria — the damage looks extensive. The epicenter region is home to millions of refugees and IDPs, many of whom live in tents & makeshift structures. This is the absolute nightmare scenario for them. And it’s winter.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/02/05/statement-from-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivan-on-the-earthquake-in-turkiye-and-syria/

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/02/05/world/turkey-earthquake

​​https://apnews.com/article/earthquake-shakes-turkey-b927808f6a5c54bdb669120faa40b7bc