Lebanon shaken by Turkey-Syria earthquake with damage to shops, hospitals

Some people in Lebanon were forced to leave their homes on Monday by an earthquake that has killed hundreds in Syria and Turkey.

The 7.8-magnitude quake that struck Turkey in the early hours of Monday was felt in several countries, including Egypt, Iraq and Syria.

The earthquake killed more than 2,300 people across Turkey and Syria according to the latest estimates, but Lebanese officials have yet to announce any casualties or serious material damage in Lebanon, The New Arab's Arabic-language sister site Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported.

The quake, which lasted for around 40 seconds and was followed by aftershocks, was the strongest Lebanon has experienced in years.

Videos circulating on social media showed damage to some shops, supermarkets and hospitals.

Caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said there was some material damage but no casualties, calling for old buildings with cracks to be evacuated.

In Syria and Turkey, the damage was more profound, with the quake wiping out entire sections of cities.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the huge loss of life caused by the earthquake in #Türkiye and in #Syria. Entrusting those who have died to the loving mercy of the Almighty, I pray for the emergency personnel involved in the ongoing relief efforts.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) February 6, 2023

It comes despite Syrians already experiencing immense suffering in a country that is reeling from an ongoing, decade-long war.

The earthquake tragedy has prompted even longtime rival Greece to commit to supporting Turkey.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged to make "every force available" to aid the neighbouring country.

He told the cabinet that Ankara had already approved the dispatch of a Greek emergency rescue squad and that Athens was ready to send "additional equipment, medical supplies, blankets, tents" depending on further Turkish requests.

Agencies contributed to this report.