Earthquake Rocks Salamiyah, Syria: 17 Injured and Widespread Panic
On Friday, a significant earthquake struck the city of Salamiyah in western Syria, injuring 17 individuals and causing widespread panic among residents. The earthquake's magnitude has been reported variably, with estimates ranging from 4.8 to 5.2 degrees. This seismic event, felt across Syria and even in Lebanon, marks the second earthquake in just a few days, raising concerns among the populace.
The director of Salamiyah National Hospital, Osama Melhem, confirmed the injuries, stating that the quake, which occurred west of the city in the eastern countryside of Hama, left many residents in distress. The Syrian National Seismological Center reported the earthquake's magnitude as 4.9, indicating that weak to moderate tremors may continue in the area in the coming days. Notably, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Administration (AFAD) also reported two earthquakes measuring 5.2 and 4.2 in the Hama region, felt by residents in nearby Turkish states.
Continuing Seismic Activity and Historical Context
In addition to the recent earthquake, the Lebanese National Center for Geophysics recorded a 2.4-magnitude tremor in the Hama region, highlighting ongoing seismic activity in the area. The German Earth Sciences Research Center noted that the earthquake was centered at a depth of 10 kilometers, further emphasizing the geological instability of the region.
This recent earthquake follows a devastating seismic event on February 6, 2022, which resulted in thousands of casualties and extensive destruction across northern and western Syria, particularly affecting Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia. As the region grapples with these natural disasters, the resilience of its residents is put to the test once again.
- The earthquake's impact has raised alarms about the structural integrity of buildings in the region, many of which are still recovering from previous seismic disasters. Local authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and prepared for potential aftershocks as the seismic activity continues. Emergency services are on high alert, ready to respond to any further incidents as they arise.
