Early on Monday, February 6, 2023, a strong 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey and northern Syria. The death toll was at least 234, there were hundreds of injuries and more people were anticipated to be injured.

According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter of the earthquake was around 26 kilometers (16 miles) from the town of Nurdagi and 33 kilometers (20 miles) from Gaziantep. The US Geological Survey determined that its center was 18 km (11 miles) below the surface. 

Health officials in Damascus, the capital of Syria, reported 237 fatalities in portions of the nation that are still under government control. In both nations, hundreds more injuries were recorded. In order to learn more about the situation and the rescue efforts, President Tayyip Erdogan spoke on the phone with the governors of the eight affected regions.