Very strong M7.0 earthquake and tsunami hit Greece-Turkey border region, leaving 116 people dead
A very strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.0 hit Greece-Turkey border region at 11:51 UTC (13:52 LT) on October 30, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located about 14 km (9 miles) NE of Néon Karlovásion (population 6 708), Greece, 32 km (20 miles) WSW of Özdere (population 13 500), Turkey, and 65 km (40 miles) SSW of Izmir (population 2 500 603), Turkey.
There are about 4 590 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).
30 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 498 000 strong, 4 425 000 moderate, and 15 831 000 light.
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities. There is a low likelihood of casualties.
A yellow alert was issued for economic losses. Some damage is possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of GDP of Greece. Past events with this alert level have required a local or regional level response.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are extremely vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick masonry and low-rise nonductile concrete frame with infill construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as tsunamis and landslides that might have contributed to losses.
At least 12 people were killed and 438 injured in Izmir, Turkey while 2 people died on the island of Samos, Greece.
The quake triggered a tsunami that flooded parts of Izmir and Samos. Some fishermen are reportedly missing.
The tsunami was particularly powerful in the coastal town of Sigacik in Seferiuhisar, The Daily Sabah reported.
At least 12 buildings in Turkey collapsed, trapping people under the rubble. 70 of them have been rescued.
Izmir Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger said four buildings were completely destroyed.
MORE — The earthquake sends locals in Turkey's 3rd largest city Izmir, the biggest near the epicenter, panicking; locals report minor damages to homespic.twitter.com/lSFpSs4Tsa
— DAILY SABAH (@DailySabah) October 30, 2020
VIDEO — Building seen crumbling after strong earthquake in western Turkey’s Izmirhttps://t.co/ZQDw7t0GU3 pic.twitter.com/qaMzjQ69C2
— DAILY SABAH (@DailySabah) October 30, 2020
Update
07:53 UTC, November 2
The death toll in Turkey rose to 79, bringing the total to 81, as of Monday, November 2.
17 buildings collapsed during the earthquake. More than 100 people trapped under the rubble have been rescued.
More than 949 people have been injured in Turkey, with 220 still in hospitals receiving treatment. 8 of them are in ICU, with 3 in critical condition.
More than 800 aftershocks have been recorded following the quake, with 40+ of them above M4.
Environment and Urbanization Ministry said around 5 000 rescue personnel, 20 sniffer dogs and 751 vehicles were deployed across the city of Izmir as of early Sunday, November 1.
This is the second destructive earthquake to hit Turkey since January 2020 when M6.8 hit the province of Elazig, killing 41 people and injuring 1 600.
November 5
The death toll in Turkey rose to 114 and the number of injured to 1 035. 137 of them are still being treated for injuries.
Minister of Environment and Urban Planning, Murat Kurum, said 180 buildings sustained heavy damage and need to be demolished immediately. 1 267 buildings sustained slight damage and another 190 medium.
17 buildings collapsed — rescuers pulled from their rubble a total of 107 people.
Search and rescue operations ended on Wednesday, November 4.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum.
Other support options include Patreon pledges, one-off payments using PayPal and purchasing products from our webshop.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.