A 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria early on Monday, killing nearly 200 people, levelling buildings while many were still asleep, and sending tremors that were felt as far away as the island of Cyprus and Egypt. The emergency service in Turkey put the initial death toll at 76, although it threatened to climb substantially higher because the night-time disaster had flattened dozens of apartment blocks across major cities. At least 119 people also died in government-controlled parts of Syria, as well as the northern areas held by pro-Turkish factions, according to the health ministry and a local hospital. Television images showed shocked people in Turkey standing in the snow in their pyjamas, watching rescuers dig through the debris of damaged homes. The quake struck at 04:17 am local time (0117 GMT) at a depth of about 17.9 kilometres (11 miles) near the Turkish city of Gaziantep, which is home to around two million people, the US Geological Survey said. Turkey's … [Read more...] about Major quake kills nearly 200 across Turkey, Syria
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Major earthquake kills 3,700 in Turkey and Syria, weather hits survivors
The magnitude 7.8 quake brought down whole apartment blocks in Turkish cities and piled more devastation on millions of Syrians displaced by years of war. It struck before sunrise in harsh weather and was followed in the early afternoon by another large quake. In Diyarbakir in southeast Turkey, a woman speaking next to the wreckage of the seven-storey block where she lived said: "We were shaken like a cradle. There were nine of us at home. Two sons of mine are still in the rubble, I'm waiting for them." She was nursing a broken arm and had injuries to her face. "It was like the apocalypse," said Abdul Salam al-Mahmoud, a Syrian in the northern town of Atareb. "It's bitterly cold and there's heavy rain, and people need saving." The earthquake was the biggest recorded worldwide by the U.S. Geological Survey since a tremor in the remote South Atlantic in August 2021. In Turkey, the death toll stood at 2,316, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said, making … [Read more...] about Major earthquake kills 3,700 in Turkey and Syria, weather hits survivors
In Turkey, night fills with screams and crying as earthquake rescues go on
HATAY, Turkey/DAMASCUS -- The screams of people still trapped in the rubble filled the night early on Tuesday and relatives wept for their loved ones as the death toll in Turkey and in neighbouring northwest Syria rose to more than 3,700. The magnitude 7.8 quake rippled through both countries early on Monday, toppling entire apartment blocks, wrecking hospitals, and leaving thousands more people injured or homeless. Freezing winter weather hampered search efforts for survivors through the night into Tuesday. A man stands in front of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Osmaniye, Turkey February 6, 2023. Photo: Reuters Under a pile of rubble in the southern province of Hatay, a woman's voice could be heard calling for help. Nearby, the body of a small child lay lifeless. Weeping in the rain, a local resident who gave his name as Deniz wrung his hands in despair. "They're making noises but nobody is coming," he said. "We're devastated, we're devastated. … [Read more...] about In Turkey, night fills with screams and crying as earthquake rescues go on
Activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Regent Phu Quoc
The Regent Phu Quoc Resort is offering a special romantic itinerary with a celebrity guest chef in attendance to celebrate the month of love. The adventure will run from February 14 to 16 with the arrival of guest chef Lucas Bonnaud, who will design activities for each couple. Couples can have a romantic dinner while watchiung the sunset at Regent Phu Quoc. Photo by Regent Phu Quoc The celebration starts on February 14 with a sunrise floating breakfast created by our celebrity chef and Regent Phu Quoc's culinary team. The menu includes raspberry-filled French toast, a red velvet croissant, pink eggs benedict with beetroot hollandaise, tropical fresh juices, and selected fruits. The cost of the experience begins at VND1,450,000 ($62) per couple. With half a bottle of champagne, the price will be from VND2,750,000 per couple from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Advance bookings are advised. The resort's one-bedroom Terrace Pool Villa is a great place for couples to enjoy … [Read more...] about Activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Regent Phu Quoc