Following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in north-west part of Gaziantep province in Turkey around 04.17 (local time), another earthquake of the magnitude 7.5 struck about 2.5 miles (4km) south-south-east of Ekinozu, Kahramanmaras province, Turkey at 13.24 (local time) on 6 February 2023 with aftershocks continue to be recorded since.
The most affected areas in Turkey are Gaziantep province – the epicenter of the earthquake, as well as neighbouring provinces of Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye and Sanliurfa.
Extensive damages to buildings including residences have been reported in Syria’s Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia and Hama governates. Tremors were also reported in Cyprus, Georgia, Lebanon, northern Iraq and Jordan.
International SOS is providing security and health support to its clients’ employees in Turkey and in the affected surrounding countries. To further strengthen support and assistance to our clients’ workforce in the affected areas in Turkey we have deployed a team on the ground with ground transportation capability.
Defer non-essential travel to the areas where a state of emergency has been introduced. Those on essential travel to these areas should ensure access to robust modes of communication and emergency supplies, including food, water and medicines.
For clients with operations in the affected areas, our advice is:
- All workforces should depart from the worst-affected areas. This is due to the scale of the earthquake damage and the likely prospect of prolonged and significant disruption to infrastructure and essential services.
- Continue to expect aftershocks over the coming days, which can cause further damage to already weakened structures. Do not re-enter damaged buildings. If possible, seek open space away from building, large trees and overpasses. Avoid contact with power lines to prevent electrical hazards.
- Continue to expect major disruption to infrastructure and provision of essential services in the affected areas.
- Monitor the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency website for location-specific information and liaise with local contacts to reconfirm the status of routes and feasibility of journeys before setting out. Abide by all directives issued by the emergency services.
- Be aware of the risk of further earthquakes; seek high ground or relocate to a higher part of a sturdy building, avoiding elevators. People in coastal areas should be aware of the risk of tsunamis in the aftermath of further earthquakes. Seek high ground or relocate to a higher part of a sturdy building, avoiding lifts (elevators).
- Clean and treat minor injuries promptly. Seek medical attention for serious wounds.
- Pay attention to hygiene and wash hands regularly.
- Choose safe food and drinking water. Drink only boiled or bottled water, or canned or carbonated beverages.
- Wear a mask whenever required, especially in a crowded area or if it is not possible to keep two meters (six feet) away from others.
- Ensure access to mental health support and resources.
People who will deploy to affected areas including disaster relief responders:
- Contact the Assistance Centre for a pre-travel briefing covering safety preparations.
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, including tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, COVID-19 and seasonal influenza. Other vaccinations prior to deployment include hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies.
- Carry personal medications, insect repellent, and a well-stocked first aid kit including water purification supplies, hand sanitiser and supplies to manage wounds.
- Monitor your health and wellbeing. Contact International SOS for any concerns.
- Ensure access to mental health support and resources.
We encourage clients to sign up for our latest situational alerts via email, through the Assistance App, or via our Online Portal.
For media queries please refer to our media contacts page and contact the relevant media contact.