The earthquake is said to have lasted for 25 seconds, and was extremely strong, knocking people off their feet with ease. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measured the tremor's magnitude at 7.0, while Turkish authorities said it was 6.6. The earthquake struck 14km (nine miles) off the Greek town of Karlovasi on Samos. The impact of this earthquake was so large that it was felt all the way in Istanbul and Athens. The calamity hit at a relatively shallow depth of 21 kilometers ,the USGS reported, making its impact powerfully felt at ground level around the epicenter.
More than 900 aftershocks later, 42 of these have had a magnitude over 4.0. A mini tsunami was even triggered, causing the city to be flooded and an additional loss of lives.
After the earthquake hit, rescue teams and mechanical diggers were sent to search through this rubble while the death toll reached 62 and is rising in Turkey. While the search for survivors continues, the Health Minister of Turkey has stated that they are currently still not aware of the survivors stuck under these buildings. The Minister is also constantly advising people to continue taking necessary safety measures to fight the present disaster.
The Turkish President, apart from giving an insight on the number of people found, also mentioned that earthquakes don’t kill people, rather, that buildings do. He also sent out a message of hope to his people saying, the government is "determined to heal the wounds of our brothers and sisters in Izmir before the cold and rains begin".
Since, there are many buildings in Turkey that have not been constructed properly and were built with cheap resources, the government has tightened building regulations in light of the earthquake. This will strengthen construction infrastructures and urban renewal is underway in Turkish cities.
Looking at the current scenario, thousands of tents have been set up to provide shelter to the survivors that have lost their homes due to this earthquake.
In Greece, the impact wasn’t felt as much as it was felt in Turkey, yet 2 teenagers died and 19 till now have been found injured. A mini tsunami occurred in Greece as well.
The governments of Turkey and Greece keeping their differences aside have decided to join forces, in order to help their people overcome the obstacle hurled at them.