On 6 February 2023, an Mw 7.8 earthquake struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria. The epicenter was 37 km (23 mi) west–northwest of Gaziantep, Turkey. The earthquake had a maximum Mercalli intensity of XII (Extreme) in parts of Antakya in the Hatay Province of Turkey. It was followed by an Mw 7.7 earthquake. This earthquake was centered 95 km (59 mi) north-northeast from the first. There was widespread destruction and tens of thousands of fatalities after the earthquakes. Major infrastructure damage has been witnessed with 276 destroyed buildings and more than 300 partially damaged. Though many parts of the quake’s epicenter are virtually unrecognizable now, here are some before and after photos that illustrate the extent of the destruction.
Yeni Cami Mosque
Gaziantep Castle
Citadel of Aleppo
The Holy Forty Martyrs Church
Iskenderun
Syrian Village
Turkey, Syria quake could affect up to 23 million: WHO
