Earthquake shakes Turkey and Greece, death toll reaches 27

Earthquake Turkey 2020

 

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake shook the Aegean Sea this Friday in Turkey and Greece, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The Turkish government's disaster agency AFAD put the magnitude lower, at 6.6 and reported that the epicenter was 17 km off the coast of Izmir province with a depth of 16 km.

According to the report, there are collapsed buildings in the Turkish coastal city, Izmir. Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on his Twitter account, "So far, we have received information about 6 collapsed buildings."

Environment Minister Murat Kurum said, "Some of our fellow citizens are stuck in the rubble." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is said to be ready to help "with all the means available to our state."
 

Meanwhile, an estimated 27 people were reported dead in the incident and more than 800 others were injured.

The tsunami warning was also raised and Samos residents were advised to evacuate after the water level in the main harbor rose which caused flooding.

Residents were also warned to stay away from buildings as aftershocks are expected in the area.

More than 3,000 rescue personnel were sent to Izmir, as well as relief supplies.