Update 2023-02-06: According to reports, a large fire was reported at the port in Iskenderun in Hatay on Monday (6 February). It has been reported that dozens of cargo containers caught on fire. Significant smoke plumes have been reported and firefighters and fire boats are working to extinguish the fire. Several additional significant aftershocks with magnitudes ranging between 4.8 and 5.0 have been reported since around 7 pm on Monday (6 February, local time).
2023-02-06: The southeast of Türkiye was shaken by three earthquakes on Monday (6 February). One earthquake, which occurred northwest of Gaziantep, was very strong and had a magnitude of 7.8. Another earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 took place northeast of Kahramanmaraş, while a third, moderate earthquake had its epicentre between the cities of Gaziantep and Kahramanmaraş. The southeastern provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, Hatay, Adana, Malatya, Diyarbakir, Şanliurfa, Adiyaman, Kilis, Osmaniye have been affected. As a result of the quake, thousands of people died or were injured. Buildings collapsed and landmarks such as the castle in Gaziantep have been destroyed. In addition, several airports in the region such as those in Adana, Kahramanmaraş, Hatay and Gaziantep have suspended operations. Major rescue operations are ongoing in the entire region.
Aftershocks, which may cause additional damage, are to be expected in the region. Travellers are advised to inform themselves via local media and authorities about the current situation on site, to follow instructions from authorities, to exercise high caution near mountainsides and rivers, as well as to avoid damaged buildings, bridges, and roads.
