- A massive earthquake struck Southeastern Turkey at 04:17, wreaking havoc in the provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Adana, Osmaniye, Gaziantep, Malatya and Hatay.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that 912 people lost their lives and 5,385 have been wounded. 2,470 people have been rescued from wrecked buildings so far and 2,818 buildings have totally collapsed.
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
- At least 78 aftershocks were recorded, the largest of which was measured at 6.6 magnitude.
- Interior Minister Soylu announced that a Level 4 Disaster alert has been issued; the highest level, which triggers a call for international aid.
- Red Crescent, Turkey’s largest humanitarian organization, has called for blood donations.
- Governor of Kahramanmaraş province Ömer Faruk Coşkun stated: “It’s impossible to release a definite number for collapsed buildings and casualties right now. The damage is serious.”
- Natural gas supply to the disaster zone has been cut.
- Turkish Airlines announced additional flights to the region.
- Council of Higher Education announced school closures until further notice.