Press Release

IRC statement on further 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Türkiye

Gaziantep, Türkiye, 20 February 2023 — Just two weeks after the most devastating earthquake in the region in the last decade, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Hatay province, southern Türkiye, on Monday, 20 February at almost 8:00pm. Tremors were felt in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. There are initial reports of buildings collapsing and injuries in northern Syria. The IRC teams in Türkiye and Syria are accounted for and are monitoring the situation and impact to people on the ground.

This earthquake comes two weeks after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the region, resulting in over 45,000 deaths and 110,000 injuries. Over 5,700 aftershocks have been reported.

About the IRC
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. Established in 2001, IRC Brussels leads on the International Rescue Committee's engagement with the EU institutions. Learn more at Rescue-EU.org and follow the IRC on Twitter.