Central Syria was rocked by a moderate earthquake late Monday night, sending tremors that rippled through northern Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan.
The seismic event has rekindled haunting memories of the devastating earthquake in 2023 that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths across Turkey and northern Syria.
The Syrian National Center for Earthquakes reported that the 5.5 magnitude quake struck 28 kilometers (17 miles) east of the city of Hama at precisely 11:56 p.m. local time. However, assessments of the earthquake’s strength varied.
The US Geological Survey recorded a slightly lower magnitude of 5.0 with a depth of 10 kilometers, while the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) estimated the quake at 4.8 magnitude. Shortly after the initial quake, Jordan’s state news agency reported a 3.9 magnitude aftershock.
The impact on Hama, a city with historical significance and a large population, was immediate. Maher Younis, Hama’s Health Director, confirmed that at least 25 people sustained minor to moderate injuries. These injuries primarily resulted from stampedes as panicked residents rushed to safer areas.
The earthquake triggered widespread fear, prompting residents in Damascus and Beirut to evacuate their homes and take to the streets, apprehensive of potential aftershocks or a stronger quake that could lead to building collapses.
This reaction highlights the lingering trauma from the 2023 earthquake, a 7.8 magnitude disaster that caused extensive loss of life and property damage in both Turkey and Syria.
In Lebanon and Israel, the tremors were felt distinctly, leading to momentary panic but no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage. In Jordan, the aftershock added to the alarm, although it was relatively weaker.
The quake’s epicenter near Hama is an area with considerable historical and cultural significance, which increases the concern for potential damage to heritage sites and infrastructure.
The region is still recovering from the 2023 quake’s aftermath, and any additional seismic activity poses a threat to the already fragile rebuilding efforts.
Residents across the affected regions shared their experiences on social media, with many describing the unsettling feeling of their homes shaking and the anxiety that followed.
“It was a sudden jolt, and the memories of the previous earthquake came rushing back,” said Lina Haddad, a resident of Hama. “We immediately ran outside, fearing the worst.”
Authorities in Syria and neighboring countries are closely monitoring the situation, with emergency services on high alert.
In Hama, hospitals are prepared to handle any potential influx of patients, and local authorities are assessing the structural integrity of buildings to ensure safety.
While the immediate aftermath of the quake appears to have resulted in relatively minor injuries and no significant structural damage, the psychological impact on the residents is profound.
The memory of the catastrophic 2023 earthquake looms large, and the latest tremor has served as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activities.
As the region grapples with the fear and anxiety triggered by the earthquake, authorities urge residents to stay calm and follow safety protocols. Preparedness and swift response remain crucial in minimizing the impact of such natural events.