Earthquake tremors have been felt in Turkey and neighboring countries. The tremors were felt 23 km east of Noordgi. Its effect was seen till Syria. According to the information, many buildings have collapsed due to the earthquake. The intensity of the earthquake was measured at 7.8 on the Richter scale.

According to the information, at least 1000 people have been killed in Turkey and about 2,300 people have been injured. More than 1,700 buildings in 10 cities were damaged, the report said, citing the country's Vice President Fiat Oktay. At the same time, at least 783 people were killed and 639 were injured in Syria. Many deaths are also being feared in Israel and Lebanon.

According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter of the earthquake was about 33 kilometers (20 mi) from Gaziantep and about 26 kilometers (16 mi) from the city of Nurdagi. It was centered at a depth of 18 kilometers (11 mi). The tremors were felt as far away as Syria. The tremors were so strong that there were reports of damage to many buildings. According to the United States Geological Survey, there is a possibility of many casualties due to the earthquake.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Twitter that search and rescue teams were immediately sent to the earthquake-affected areas. We hope that together we will overcome this calamity at the earliest and with the least loss.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the earthquake incident. He said that I am saddened by the loss of life and property due to the earthquake in Turkey. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured get well soon. India stands in solidarity with the Turkish people and stands ready to provide all possible assistance to deal with this tragedy.

 Meanwhile, following the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has decided to send help to earthquake-hit Turkey. India will send National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) search and rescue teams, medical teams and relief material to Turkey. 

An official statement has also been issued by the government in this regard. It added that PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to PM Modi, held a meeting at South Block to discuss immediate relief measures and the decision was taken there. As per the decision, two NDRF teams comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and necessary equipment are ready to go to the quake-hit area for search and rescue operations. Also medical teams are being prepared with trained doctors and paramedics with necessary medicines.

These relief materials will be sent in coordination with the Turkish government and the Embassy of India in Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul.

The main reason for the occurrence of earthquakes is the collision of plates inside the earth. There are seven plates inside the earth which keep on rotating continuously. When these plates collide at some point, a fault line zone is formed there and the corners of the surface are folded. Due to the cornering of the surface, pressure builds up there and the plates start breaking. Due to the breakdown of these plates, the energy inside finds a way to come out, due to which the earth shakes and we consider it as an earthquake.

Earthquakes with a magnitude of less than 2.0 on the Richter scale are classified as micro and cannot be felt. 8,000 earthquakes of micro category on the Richter scale are recorded daily worldwide.

Similarly, earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.0 to 2.9 are kept in the minor category. 1,000 such earthquakes occur daily, we do not even normally feel it.

Very light earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 to 3.9 are recorded 49,000 times in a year. They are felt but hardly cause any harm.

Light category earthquakes are 4.0 to 4.9 magnitude which are recorded on the Richter scale about 6,200 times in a year all over the world. These tremors are felt and household items are seen moving due to them. However, they cause negligible damage.