Earthquake kills over 1,700 in Turkey, Syria; second massive quake follows
At least two massive earthquakes struck southern Turkey, near the Syrian border, on Feb. 6, with aftershocks felt as far away as Lebanon, Jordan and Israel. (Video: The Washington Post)
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ISTANBUL — A 7.8-magnitude earthquake in southern Turkey early Monday killed more than 1,700 people across the country and in neighboring Syria, officials said, as rescuers searched flattened buildings in frigid weather for survivors. The earthquake — felt as far away as Lebanon, Jordan, Israel and Egypt — occurred in Kahramanmaras province, north of Gaziantep, near the Syrian border.
It was followed by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in southeastern Turkey on Monday afternoon, as well as dozens of powerful aftershocks. Most of the damage is in southern Turkey and northern and central Syria.
Turkey’s historic Gaziantep Castle crumbles
Gaziantep Castle, an ancient Turkish landmark built on top of a 6,000-year-old hill, sustained heavy damage in Monday’s deadly earthquake. Footage shared to social media appeared to show much of the sprawling monument reduced to rubble.
The popular tourist attraction, known for its rich history and “spectacular views” of the city, is believed to have been constructed during the Roman period, according to the official website of Turkish Museums, though the castle has been restored and rebuilt extensively throughout history.
The director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations body that promotes nuclear safety, offered the agency’s technical support to Ankara. Turkey has hosted U.S. nuclear weapons for more than 50 years, though there is no suggestion from officials that the arsenal was affected by Monday’s earthquake."
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