2023 Major Earthquakes: Earthquakes are among the most destructive natural disasters. The year 2023 has witnessed several impactful earthquakes, leading to extensive damage and loss of lives. Here’s are some of the major earthquakes that struck the world this year –
Turkey–Syria earthquakes
On February 6, 2023, a devastating earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck southern and central Turkey, as well as northern and western Syria in the wee hours. The epicenter was located 37 km west-northwest of Gaziantep. The death toll from the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria surpassed 50,000. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has informed that the death toll in Turkey due to earthquakes rose to 44,218. The earthquake reached a maximum Mercalli intensity of XII (Extreme) around the epicenter and in Antakya.
Marrakesh–Safi earthquake
On the night of September 8, 2023, a powerful earthquake registering a moment magnitude of 6.8–6.9 and reaching a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), struck the Marrakesh–Safi region in Morocco. The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 73.4 km southwest of Marrakesh, near the town of Ighil and the Oukaïmeden ski resort situated in the Atlas Mountains. This seismic event resulted from shallow oblique-thrust faulting beneath the mountain range. At least 2,960 deaths were reported, with the majority occurring outside the city of Marrakesh. The impact of the quake led to widespread damage, including the destruction of historic landmarks in Marrakesh. The earthquake’s effects extended beyond Morocco, with tremors felt in Spain, Portugal, and Algeria.
(Photo: Reuters)
This seismic event stands as the strongest instrumentally recorded earthquake in Morocco and ranking as the second-deadliest earthquake of 2023 after the Turkey–Syria earthquake. Its magnitude also establishes it as the largest earthquake on the African continent. Over 2.8 million people, including 100,000 children, in Marrakesh and the surrounding areas of the Atlas Mountains were affected.
Afghanistan earthquakes
In early October 2023, Herat Province in western Afghanistan was impacted by a series of four massive earthquakes, each measuring Mww 6.3, accompanied by subsequent aftershocks. The initial pair of earthquakes occurred on the morning of October 7 near the city of Herat, followed by numerous aftershocks. Subsequently, on October 11 and 15, two additional magnitude 6.3 earthquakes struck the same region, all associated with thrust faulting. The World Health Organization estimated the toll of the seismic events, with 1,482 fatalities, 2,100 injuries, 43,400 people affected, and 114,000 people requiring humanitarian aid.
(Photo: AP)
The earthquakes occurred amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in 2021, with pre-existing aid groups facing financial constraints. In response to the earthquakes, aid agencies, including UNICEF and the Red Cross, issued appeals for donations.
China earthquake
On December 18, 2023, an overnight earthquake claimed the lives of at least 118 people in a frigid and mountainous region in northwestern China, marking the nation’s deadliest earthquake in a decade. At 11:59 p.m. local time (1559 GMT) on Monday, the latest quake struck Jishishan county in Gansu at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), according to China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
(Photo: AP)
The magnitude 6.2 earthquake, striking just before midnight on Monday near the boundary between Gansu and Qinghai, resulted in more than 500 people sustaining injuries, causing severe damage to homes and roads, and disrupting power and communication lines, according to provincial officials and media reports. The China Earthquake Networks Center indicated a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), while the U.S. Geological Survey recorded a magnitude of 5.9.
Papua New Guinea earthquake
On April 3, 2023, an earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck 38.3 km east-southeast of Ambunti in East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. The earthquake had a widespread impact across all six districts of East Sepik Province. The seismic activity resulted in at least eight fatalities and numerous injuries. Significant damage was reported, with over 874 homes either damaged or destroyed.
According to the authorities, the earthquake caused moderate to very strong shaking, ranging from intensities V to VII, in towns such as Ambunti, Angoram, Wewak, Aitape, Porgera, and Wabag, collectively inhabited by approximately 1.12 million residents. Additionally, mild tremors were felt in neighboring Indonesia.