4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Jordan and Syria

Publish date: Tuesday، 13 August 2024

Late Monday night, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck Jordan and Syria, sending shockwaves through both countries and parts of Lebanon. The quake, initially reported as 5.4 in magnitude by the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ), was later corrected to 4.8. It occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Jordan and Syria

Injuries and Panic in Syria

The quake has led to at least 25 people being injured due to panic and stampeding, according to Maher Younis, Health Director in Hama, Syria. Residents in Salamiya, about 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) east of Hama, fled their homes in fear, with some reports of structural damage including a collapsing balcony.

Nasser Duyub, a resident of Salamiya, described the chaos, saying he had to quickly grab his son and flee their house. He and others witnessed ambulances treating those who had fainted.

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Jordan and Syria

Echoes of Past Disasters

For many in Syria, the tremor was a distressing reminder of the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2023, which caused extensive destruction and loss of life in both Turkey and northern Syria.

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Jordan and Syria

Regional Impact and Aftershocks

In response to the quake, Syria's civil defense teams have been mobilized, though no significant damage has been reported from opposition-held areas.

In Lebanon, residents also felt the tremor, with some initially mistaking it for an airstrike amid ongoing regional tensions.

Jordan's state news agency reported a 3.9 magnitude aftershock occurring less than an hour after the initial earthquake.

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Jordan and Syria

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