6.4 magnitude earthquake hits Hatay, Turkey, leaving many buildings collapsed

Two more powerful earthquakes, measuring 6.4 and 5.8 magnitude, have hit Turkey's southern province of Hatay just two weeks after a devastating disaster, raising the threat of additional destruction

Just a fortnight after the disastrous earthquakes that hit Kahramanmaras, two more earthquakes have jolted the southern Turkish province of Hatay, which is adjacent to northwestern Syria.

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported that a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit the Defne district at 8:04 PM local time, followed by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Samandağ just three minutes later.

According to the AFAD, there is a possibility of a 19.68-inches rise in the sea level in the affected region following the earthquake. In response, the Mersin Governor's Office has advised people to stay away from the shorelines as a precautionary measure.

Hatay 6.4 — People are waiting outside after the 6.4 earthquake. (Anadolu Agency)

6.4 earthquake leaves eight individuals injured, local agencies report collapsed buildings in which people are under the rubble

Vice President of Turkey, Fuat Oktay, stated, "We have eight injured individuals. Kandilli Observatory Center had issued a tsunami warning, but we learned that it was a procedure that had been implemented. Currently, the warning has been lifted as they do not see any risk. AFAD is also in the process of lifting the warning."

It is said that some buildings collapsed in the city. Local agency NTV reported uncertain number of people are under the rubble right now. As a result of the earthquake, a dust cloud formed in the debris area of Hatay, and ambulance sirens were heard. The earthquake was also felt in neighboring provinces such as Adana and Gaziantep.

According to the AFAD, the death toll in Turkey due to the earthquakes that occurred two weeks ago has reached 41,156 as of Monday, and is expected to increase further. A total of 385,000 apartments have been destroyed or severely damaged, and many individuals are still missing. Across Turkey and Syria, the estimated number of fatalities is at least 47,000.