7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes in Turkey

The earthquake caused great destruction in Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Adana, Osmaniye, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Malatya and Hatay. Total loss of life in 10 provinces increased to 1498. The number of injured is 8 thousand 533 and the number of destroyed buildings is 2 thousand 834. In the region where aftershocks continue, citizens are asked not to enter damaged buildings.

An earthquake occurred in Kahramanmaraş with its epicentre in Pazarcık district. 

The magnitude of the earthquake at 04.17 was first announced as 7.4. However, AFAD updated in the following hours and announced that the magnitude of the earthquake was 7.7.

According to the information on the website of the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), the tremor was 7 kilometres below the ground. 

After this 7.7 earthquake, another earthquake occurred at 13.24. The magnitude of the earthquake, whose epicentre was Elbistan district of Kahramanmaraş, was recorded as 7.6.

AFAD Earthquake Risk Reduction Director Prof. Dr. Orhan Tatar stated that the tremor was not an aftershock but a new earthquake. 

2,834 buildings collapsed in Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Adana, Osmaniye, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Malatya and Hatay.

According to the latest statement made by AFAD at 17.30, 1498 people lost their lives in 10 provinces. 

According to the statement, the total number of injured is 8 thousand 533. 

Aftershocks continue after the earthquake.  More than 100 tremors, 3 of which are above 6, have been recorded so far. Citizens are warned not to enter damaged buildings.

Rescue efforts continue to rescue citizens trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Vice President Oktay and Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu, Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Murat Kurum, Minister of Youth and Sports Mehmet Kasapoğlu are following the works at AFAD Coordination Centre.

Schools were cancelled

Education was also suspended in 10 provinces hit by the earthquake.  Schools were cancelled for 2 weeks in Malatya, Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman and Hatay, and for 1 week in Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Adana, Osmaniye and Kilis.

Later, the holiday was extended to cover schools all over Turkey.

3 soldiers martyred

Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar announced that 3 soldiers were martyred in the earthquake zone. Akar said, "As the Armed Forces, we continue our efforts to determine damage and casualties. Unfortunately, we have 3 martyrs and wounded. We are taking roll calls again in our troops."

Fourth level alert

Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu also stated that all teams were on alert and a level four alarm was issued.

Vehicles travelling to the earthquake zone were also called to avoid traffic. In addition, it was requested not to use mobile phones outside the earthquake zone due to the intensity in communication.

Latest situation
According to the latest statement made by AFAD at 17.30, 1498 people lost their lives in 10 provinces. 

According to the statement, the total number of injured is 8 thousand 533. 

Aftershocks after the earthquake

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)