The Devastating Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Causes and Impacts
On February 6, 2023, Turkey experienced two of the most significant earthquakes in recent history, with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5 on the moment magnitude scale. These quakes, which struck near Gaziantep along the East Anatolian Fault Line and the Syrian border, were particularly destructive due to their shallow depth of just 18 km. As a result, they led to extensive damage, with more than 50,000 casualties and significant loss to historical sites such as Gaziantep Kalesi in Turkey and the Citadel of Aleppo in Syria.
Details of the Earthquakes
The epicenters of the earthquakes were near Gaziantep, with the main shock measuring 7.8 and the secondary shock measuring 7.5. Both quakes were classified as strike-slip quakes, where two tectonic plates move horizontally past each other. The region affected includes southeastern Turkey and northern Syria. The extensive damage extended to many historical sites, including the Gaziantep Kalesi stone castle in Turkey and the Yeni Mosque, as well as the Citadel of Aleppo in Syria.
Response to the Earthquakes
Multiple countries worldwide offered assistance upon the occurrence of the quakes. Notably, India sent an army medical team, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and medical supplies. Turkey invoked the International Charter ‘Space and Major Disasters’, which allows the transmission of satellite data to aid organizations in responding to major disasters.
Reason for the 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake
Turkey lies on the Anatolian tectonic plate (TP), which is surrounded by the Arabian, African, Eurasian, and Aegean Sea TP. The Arab-Peninsular TP is pushing northward, causing the Anatolian TP to move westward towards the Mediterranean Sea. According to estimates, almost 95% of Turkey's land mass is prone to earthquakes. The quakes in this region often occur due to the stress build-up on the East Anatolian and North Anatolian Faults, where the plates move at rates of between 6 and 10 millimeters per year.
One of the primary reasons for the extensive damage is the lack of strict enforcement of building codes in Turkey. Unlike countries such as Chile, which have strict adherence to building codes and can withstand earthquakes of magnitude 9.0, Turkey's structures are often not earthquake-safe. This leads to significant damage during seismic events, as evidenced by the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake. The issue is not the disaster itself, but the lack of preparedness for such events.
Conclusion
While natural disasters can be catastrophic, the impact of such events can be mitigated by better preparation and adherence to building standards. Countries like Turkey can learn from nations such as Chile, which have strict building regulations that significantly enhance their resilience to seismic events.
Additional Information
Seismic Activity in Turkey: Turkey is considered a seismically active region due to three major fault lines: the Anatolian, the Arabian, and the African plates interacting.
Building Codes and Regulations: Strict adherence to building codes and enforcement of regulations can significantly reduce the impact of earthquakes. Countries like Chile, which often experience devastating earthquakes, have strict building codes that help mitigate the damage during seismic events.
International Assistance and Support: Following such natural disasters, international aid and support are crucial. Authorities like the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the International Charter ‘Space and Major Disasters’ play a vital role in providing satellite data and support to affected regions.