On February 20, 2023, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey, causing new fears for residents still reeling from a devastating quake last year. The quake was centred in the province of Mersin and was felt as far away as Cyprus. The earthquake caused some damage, but there were no immediate reports of casualties. The quake struck just after 9:30 p.m. local time, and many residents reported feeling a strong tremor. Some people rushed out of their homes in panic, fearing another earthquake like the one that hit the region last year.
The earthquake comes just months after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the same region, killing dozens of people and causing widespread damage. The Turkish government has been criticized for its handling of the aftermath of the earthquake, and many residents are still living in temporary housing.
The earthquake is a reminder of the ongoing risk of earthquakes in the region, which is located on the boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. Turkey is prone to earthquakes, and the country has a history of devastating earthquakes. The government has taken steps to improve building standards and emergency response, but earthquakes remain a major threat to the safety of Turkish residents.