February 6, 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake
BEAM Consolidated family sends out prayers in solidarity with all the victims affected by the earthquake in Turkey, Syria, and the region.
According to USGS, on February 6, 2023, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 according to the Richter scale occurred in southern Turkey near the northern Syrian borders causing more than 4,800 deaths and thousands injured. 11 mins later, an aftershock earthquake hit with a magnitude of 6.7.
Tectonic earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates in the Earth's crust making their occurrences extremely common. On February 6, the earthquake hit a seismically active zone; Turkey’s two main fault zones, the East Anatolian, and the North Anatolian. Both zones are one of the most seismically active regions in the world. In the East Anatolian zone, the Anatolian plate moves relatively to the southeastern Arabian plate?and, in the North Anatolian zone there is movement in the Anatolian plate and the Northern Eurasian plate.
The February 6 earthquake was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in the region, matching the magnitude of the December 1939 earthquake that killed about 30,000 people in northeastern Turkey. And since 1970, three earthquakes of magnitude 6 or larger have hit the seismically active zone in Turkey, almost 250km in proximity to the February 6 earthquake.
Following Monday’s earthquake, based on an update from Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD), at least 120 aftershocks have been recorded. Aftershocks can continue to occur after weeks or even months following a powerful earthquake, gradually declining their frequency and strength in time. Remaining cautious and taking protective measures is crucial in case additional aftershocks occur.
Earthquakes can occur with no warning, while sometimes there could be some indicators that an earthquake is more likely to happen in a certain area:
·????????Ground uplifting or sinking: Changes in the ground level or topography.
·????????Water levels: Changes in the levels of wells, lakes, or springs.
·????????Animal behavior: Changes in animal behavior, such as increased agitation or migration.
How to protect yourself during the earthquake?
It is important to regularly practice earthquake drills and have an emergency plan in place, so that you know how to respond during an earthquake. Here are some tips that
·????????If you are inside, drop to the floor and take cover under a steady piece of furniture.
·????????If you are outside, find an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
·????????Cover your head and neck with your arms and hold on to any nearby furniture or stable object to prevent being knocked over.
·????????Hold on to your shelter until the ground stops shaking. Do not try to run to another room or outside while the ground is still unstable.
·????????If you are inside a building, evacuate once the ground stops shaking. Do not use the elevator, as it may become inoperable, or you might get stuck. Use the stairs instead.
·????????If you are trained in first aid, help others who may be injured.
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How to minimize the impact of earthquakes?
There are measures that can be taken to minimize the impact of earthquakes, such as:
·????????Emergency planning: Developing plans for evacuation and emergency response can help reduce the impact of earthquakes on people and communities.
·????????Early warning systems: Advanced warning systems can provide citizens with the necessary time to evacuate or take other protective measures before an earthquake hits.
·????????Public awareness: Raising public awareness about the dangers of earthquakes and how to prepare for them can help reduce the impact of earthquakes on communities.
·????????Building codes: Constructing buildings that meet certain seismic codes can help reduce damage during earthquakes.
·????????Retrofitting: Strengthening existing buildings to make them more resistant to earthquakes.
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