---
title: "In images: A 7.8 magnitude monster earthquake hit Turkey and Syria"
description: "Moving, surprising, inspiring, terrifying, shocking... These are the images of some of today’s events around the world."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "THE DAY IN PICTURES"
author: "Maverick Life Editors"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/maverick-life-editors/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-02-06-the-day-in-pictures-a-7-8-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-southeast-turkey-close-to-the-syrian-border/"
published: "2023-02-06T23:13:44"
updated: "2023-02-07T20:07:26"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 1164
---

# In images: A 7.8 magnitude monster earthquake hit Turkey and Syria

> Moving, surprising, inspiring, terrifying, shocking... These are the images of some of today’s events around the world.

By Maverick Life Editors · Published 7 February 2023, 01:13 SAST · Updated 7 February 2023, 22:07 SAST

## Key points
- On 06 February 2023, a powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border. The devastating earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. Hundreds of people have died and thousands have been injured in Turkey alone. In response, rescuers from around the world have come together to help search for survivors in the affected areas. Civil society activists also showed their support by holding candlelight ceremonies in remembrance of those lost in the tragedy. It is clear that this disaster has touched hearts around the world and has brought out humanity's best qualities even in times of sorrow.
- A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border on 06 February 2023, causing buildings to collapse and sending shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon.
- Hundreds of people have died and more than seven thousand have been injured in Turkey, according to AFAD, Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency.
- Romanian rescue workers were deployed to Southern Turkey to help local authorities in their rescue missions.
- Civil society activists held a candlelight vigil in Islamabad, Pakistan to remember the victims of the powerful earthquake.

## Content

![epa10450607 A handout photo made available by SANA shows damage following the earthquake that affected Syria early morning, in the city of Aleppo, Syria 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border, causing buildings to collapse and sending shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon.  EPA-EFE/SANA  HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/zokwB3Ah4HZV0hED85N2FmPPR0I=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285306.jpg)

*A handout photo made available by SANA shows damage following the earthquake that affected Syria early morning, in the city of Aleppo, Syria 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border, causing buildings to collapse and sending shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. EPA-EFE/SANA*

![epa10450731 Rescuers work at the site of a collapsed building following an earthquake in Armanaz town, Idlib Governorate, Syria 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border, causing buildings to collapse and sending shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. At least 221 people were killed and 419 injured in northwest Syria, with hundreds remaining trapped under the rubble, according to the White Helmets group, the Syria Civil Defence operating in the area.  EPA-EFE/YAHYA NEMAH](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/akHzzqUB_PDyX3hNpg6u62ikWCI=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285438.jpg)

*Rescuers work at the site of a collapsed building following an earthquake in Armanaz town, Idlib Governorate, Syria 06 February 2023. EPA-EFE/YAHYA NEMAH*

![epa10450734 People walk near a collapsed building following an earthquake in Armanaz town, Idlib Governorate, Syria 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border, causing buildings to collapse and sending shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. At least 221 people were killed and 419 injured in northwest Syria, with hundreds remaining trapped under the rubble, according to the White Helmets group, the Syria Civil Defence operating in the area.  EPA-EFE/YAHYA NEMAH](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Bw88bFJkXm5YU5ph6D-PjWRP280=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285439.jpg)

*People walk near a collapsed building following an earthquake in Armanaz town, Idlib Governorate, Syria 06 February 2023. EPA-EFE/YAHYA NEMAH*

![epa10450684 Rescuers search the rubble of a building for survivors following an earthquake in Idlib province, Syria 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border, causing buildings to collapse and sending shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. At least 221 people were killed and 419 injured in northwest Syria, with hundreds remaining trapped under the rubble, according to the White Helmets group, the Syria Civil Defence operating in the area.  EPA-EFE/YAHYA NEMAH](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/4kMgy-wxHtA6rCEUNlYiYF-_1uI=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285387.jpg)

*Rescuers search the rubble of a building for survivors following an earthquake in Idlib province, Syria 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border, causing buildings to collapse and sending shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. EPA-EFE/YAHYA NEMAH*

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnlkopeMBn8)

![epa10451120 Emergency personnel search for victims at the site of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Diyarbakir, southeast of Turkey, 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. Hundreds of people have died and more than seven thousand have been injured in Turkey, according to AFAD, Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency.  EPA-EFE/REFIK TEKIN](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/hLREt33lEoPvQVz94YXEkWtL3ZE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285850.jpg)

*Emergency personnel search for victims at the site of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Diyarbakir, southeast of Turkey, 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. Hundreds of people have died and more than seven thousand have been injured in Turkey, according to AFAD, Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency. EPA-EFE/REFIK TEKIN*

![Turkish emergency personnel and others try to help victims at the site of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Diyarbakir, Turkey, 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southeast Turkey close to the Syrian border. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon.  EPA-EFE/REFIK TEKIN](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/n5TiLlt4zcS6Zn--sF2WWn_m2v4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11284980.jpg)

*Turkish emergency personnel and others try to help victims at the site of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Diyarbakir, Turkey, 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southeast Turkey close to the Syrian border. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. EPA-EFE/REFIK TEKIN*

![epa10450637 Emergency personnel carry an injured person after a building collapsed following an earthquake in Diyarbakir, southeast of Turkey, 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. At least 912 people were confirmed dead and more than 5,000 have been injured in Turkey, the Turkish president said.  EPA-EFE/REFIK TEKIN](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/iDh8oPqEFZqMnZkB60O8J3ccZwk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285339.jpg)

*Emergency personnel carry an injured person after a building collapsed following an earthquake in Diyarbakir, southeast of Turkey, 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. At least 912 people were confirmed dead and more than 5,000 have been injured in Turkey, the Turkish president said. EPA-EFE/REFIK TEKIN*

![epa10451026 Romanian rescue workers before being deployed to Southern Turkey to help local authorities in their rescue missions after the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, at the military airbase no. 90, in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, 06 February 2023. Two Romanian military aircraft will take 58 rescuers and 4 specialized dogs to Turkey, as well as the materials necessary for their mission, which will support the efforts of the Turkish authorities to search for survivors in the areas affected by the latest earthquakes. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon.  EPA-EFE/ROBERT GHEMENT](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/nnpj4DcgGVst3TktMpVeurAMa7E=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285744.jpg)

*Romanian rescue workers before being deployed to Southern Turkey to help local authorities in their rescue missions after the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, at the military airbase no. 90, in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, 06 February 2023. Two Romanian military aircraft will take 58 rescuers and 4 specialized dogs to Turkey, as well as the materials necessary for their mission, which will support the efforts of the Turkish authorities to search for survivors in the areas affected by the latest earthquakes. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. EPA-EFE/ROBERT GHEMENT*

![Emergency personnel search for victims at the site of a collapsed building after a powerful earthquake in Diyarbakir, southeast of Turkey, 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. 284 people were confirmed dead and more than 2,000 have been injured in Turkey, Turkish vice president said.  EPA-EFE/DENIZ TEKIN](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/6tMRuQHVt2sDTVsWLcG1Gi1UVDY=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285083.jpg)

*Emergency personnel search for victims at the site of a collapsed building after a powerful earthquake in Diyarbakir, southeast of Turkey, 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. 284 people were confirmed dead and more than 2,000 have been injured in Turkey, Turkish vice president said. EPA-EFE/DENIZ TEKIN*

![epa10451042 Civil society activists light candles during a ceremony to remember the victims of a powerful earthquake in Turkey, in Islamabad, Pakistan, 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border on 06 February 2023. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon.  EPA-EFE/SOHAIL SHAHZAD 7081](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/q8UsqF5cgEc_MnnUDbdf-4AFzxg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285769.jpg)

*Civil society activists light candles during a ceremony to remember the victims of a powerful earthquake in Turkey, in Islamabad, Pakistan, 06 February 2023. According to the US Geological Service, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck southern Turkey close to the Syrian border on 06 February 2023. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse and sent shockwaves over northwest Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon. EPA-EFE/SOHAIL SHAHZAD 7081*

![The full moon sets behind the mountains including the twin peaks of Les Jumelles in the Chablais Valaisan, as seen from Aigle, Switzerland 06 February 2023.  EPA-EFE/ANTHONY ANEX](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/K9iP04KaMUn6kjxEliGmdkdjCUo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285297.jpg)

*The full moon sets behind the mountains including the twin peaks of Les Jumelles in the Chablais Valaisan, as seen from Aigle, Switzerland 06 February 2023. EPA-EFE/ANTHONY ANEX*

![epaselect epa10450689 A walker braves the elements on the beach during stormy weather in Tel Aviv, Israel, 06 February 2022.  EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/VEQ2lz_HHhkZZD84UDQMdbSCBeI=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285518.jpg)

*A walker braves the elements on the beach during stormy weather in Tel Aviv, Israel, 06 February 2022. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN*

![A high wave hits the Corniche Al Manara in Beirut, Lebanon, 06 February 2023. Lebanon will be under the influence of the 'Farah' rainstorm for several days, with a sharp drop in temperatures, heavy rains, rough seas and strong winds, according to Lebanon Meteorological Service.  EPA-EFE/WAEL HAMZEH](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Y43oXv5qcx3j6G6v_FbToin9HTU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285975.jpg)

*A high wave hits the Corniche Al Manara in Beirut, Lebanon, 06 February 2023. Lebanon will be under the influence of the 'Farah' rainstorm for several days, with a sharp drop in temperatures, heavy rains, rough seas and strong winds, according to Lebanon Meteorological Service. EPA-EFE/WAEL HAMZEH*

![Health personnel carry the body of a dead migrant off the Sea-Eye 4 rescue ship after it docked with 106 migrants onboard at the port of Naples, Italy, 06 February 2023. The vessel was expected to dock at the port of Pesaro but was finally authorized to let disembark its passengers in Naples due to rough sea conditions.  EPA-EFE/CESARE ABBATE](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/JmSDFLVGndFZHqpOSMiOPvGW2fg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11286113.jpg)

*Health personnel carry the body of a dead migrant off the Sea-Eye 4 rescue ship after it docked with 106 migrants onboard at the port of Naples, Italy, 06 February 2023. The vessel was expected to dock at the port of Pesaro but was finally authorized to let disembark its passengers in Naples due to rough sea conditions. EPA-EFE/CESARE ABBATE*

![epa10449861 Damage and debris are scattered on the ground after a fire, in Santa Juana, Chile, 05 February 2023. More than 800 people have been left homeless in Chile due to forest fires that have been raging in central Chile for three days, with the flames still advancing from the hills towards the sea in the Biobio region.  EPA-EFE/Esteban Paredes Drake](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/wIh7S1RD6UHcOgZ8Ksjtn653s8E=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11284516.jpg)

*Damage and debris are scattered on the ground after a fire, in Santa Juana, Chile, 05 February 2023. More than 800 people have been left homeless in Chile due to forest fires that have been raging in central Chile for three days, with the flames still advancing from the hills towards the sea in the Biobio region. EPA-EFE/Esteban Paredes Drake*

![epaselect epa10449862 Damage and debris are scattered on the ground after a fire, in Santa Juana, Chile, 05 February 2023. More than 800 people have been left homeless in Chile due to forest fires that have been raging in central Chile for three days, with the flames still advancing from the hills towards the sea in the Biobio region.  EPA-EFE/Esteban Paredes Drake](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/jnJBzNGrTRMG9zUE0KBLSwUBHXg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11284756.jpg)

*Damage and debris are scattered on the ground after a fire, in Santa Juana, Chile, 05 February 2023. EPA-EFE/Esteban Paredes Drake*

![epa10449873 A firefighters rests after efforts to put out a fire, in Santa Juana, Chile, 05 February 2023. More than 800 people have been left homeless in Chile due to forest fires that have been raging in central Chile for three days, with the flames still advancing from the hills towards the sea in the Biobio region.  EPA-EFE/Esteban Paredes Drake](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/0kdChJSBmyPQHnx5kxHQt3NH3e0=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11284529.jpg)

*A firefighter rests after efforts to put out a fire, in Santa Juana, Chile, 05 February 2023. More than 800 people have been left homeless in Chile due to forest fires that have been raging in central Chile for three days, with the flames still advancing from the hills toward the sea in the Biobio region. EPA-EFE/Esteban Paredes Drake*

![epaselect epa10450721 Participant wave union flags and hold a banner reading '15% - We are worth it' during a warning strike of postal service workers near the German public services union 'ver.di' headquarters in Berlin, Germany, 06 February 2023. On the occasion of the ongoing wage dispute, the ver.di trade union called postal workers for a day long warning strike.  EPA-EFE/CLEMENS BILAN](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/HXPyTS7OBaYKHYdyAqAY1Rw172Q=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285763.jpg)

*Participant wave union flags and hold a banner reading '15% - We are worth it' during a warning strike of postal service workers near the German public services union 'ver.di' headquarters in Berlin, Germany, 06 February 2023. On the occasion of the ongoing wage dispute, the ver.di trade union called postal workers for a day-long warning strike. EPA-EFE/CLEMENS BILAN*

![epaselect epa10450705 A palestinian holds empty bullet shells at the scene of a gunfight after an Israeli army raid near the West Bank city of Jericho, 06 February 2023. The Israeli army reported that a number of armed assailants, suspected to be involved in the 28 January attack at the Almog Junction, were killed after firing toward Israeli soldiers who were operating in the area.  EPA-EFE/ATEF SAFADI](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ZmlyKSqEtZ3-pqt4lpjywsSNkgY=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285759.jpg)

*A Palestinian man holds empty bullet shells at the scene of a gunfight after an Israeli army raid near the West Bank city of Jericho, 06 February 2023. The Israeli army reported that a number of armed assailants, suspected to be involved in the 28 January attack at the Almog Junction, were killed after firing toward Israeli soldiers who were operating in the area. EPA-EFE/ATEF SAFADI*

![epa10450417 China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning is seen through a viewfinder of a video camera during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, China, 06 February 2023. A suspected spy balloon from China moving over the US was shot down by a US Air Force fighter on 04 February. China said the shooting down was an 'over reaction' as the balloon was a civilian airship used for meteorological purposes that steered off course.  EPA-EFE/MARK R. CRISTINO](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/S1Dev30LR4CNhuSa8jSeWtmOki0=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11285110.jpg)

*China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning is seen through a viewfinder of a video camera during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, China, 06 February 2023. A suspected spy balloon from China moving over the US was shot down by a US Air Force fighter on 04 February. China said the shooting down was an 'overreaction' as the balloon was a civilian airship used for meteorological purposes that steered off course. EPA-EFE/MARK R. CRISTINO DM/ ML*