On Friday, a powerful earthquake shook the western Turkish province of Izmir, causing extensive damage and trapping many people under the rubble. The 6.6 magnitude quake was the second to strike the area in less than three weeks, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to search for survivors.
The quake was centered off the coast of Izmir, but its impact was felt in many parts of the country. Buildings in the province’s largest city, Izmir, collapsed as the ground shook, and power was cut to many areas. The Turkish Red Crescent said that it had deployed more than 1,000 personnel to the area to assist in the response.
At least 35 people have been confirmed dead so far, with hundreds more injured. The majority of the deaths occurred in Izmir, and the toll is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. The quake also caused significant damage to infrastructure, roads, and buildings in the area. In Izmir, several buildings collapsed while rescue teams searched for survivors. The Turkish government has declared a three-day period of mourning, and the country’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has visited the affected area to assess the damage.
The latest earthquake comes just weeks after a 6.9 magnitude quake struck the Aegean Sea on 30 October, causing at least 116 deaths in Turkey and Greece. The two quakes are not believed to be related, but experts have warned that similar earthquakes could occur in the future, as the region is prone to seismic activity.
The Turkish government has promised to provide financial assistance to those affected by the disaster, and has called for international aid to help in the response. The disaster shows the devastating impact that earthquakes can have, and serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for such disasters.