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People search through the rubble after an earthquake in Diyarbakir, Turkey, February 6, 2023. Photo/REUTERS/Sertac Kayar
ROMA – Italian authorities warned that the country’s coast could face a tsunami wave triggered by a strong earthquake that claimed hundreds of lives in Turkey and Syria on Monday (6/2/2023).
In a statement on Monday, Italy’s Civil Protection Department said the notification was based on data processed by the Tsunami Warning Center.
“It is recommended to stay away from the coastal areas, to reach the nearest higher ground and follow the indications of the local authorities,” the Italian authorities said.
The department warned, “Warnings indicate the possibility of real danger to people near the coast, especially in areas that are not very high, or even below sea level.”
Also read: See Live Operations to Rescue Earthquake Victims in Turkey and Syria
“Even waves as little as 0.5 meters can produce dangerous flooding and very strong currents,” the warning said.
A series of 7.4 magnitude earthquakes hit central Turkey shortly after 04:00 Monday morning.
According to Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay, the disaster claimed the lives of 284 people, injured 2,323 others, and 1,710 buildings were destroyed.
In Syria, according to the country’s Ministry of Health, the earthquake killed at least 237 people, with 639 injured.
That brings the death toll to 521 in Turkey and Syria. The injured victims in the two countries reached 2,962 people.
It is estimated that the number of victims will continue to increase as the search and rescue process continues.
(she)
