Magnitude 6.4 earthquake kills three in southern Türkiye

The earthquake in Hatay, which was already in ruins after the major earthquakes two weeks ago, was followed by a second one with a magnitude of 5.8.

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Magnitude 6.4 earthquake kills three in southern Türkiye

Hatay already suffered massive devastation after the February 6 earthquakes. (Photo:AA)

Two earthquakes struck Türkiye's southern province of Hatay, which shares the border with northwestern Syria, two weeks after the devastating earthquakes centered in Maraş.

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake occurred at 8.04 p.m. in the Defne district, and a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Samandağ at three minutes later, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).

After the February 6 quakes, thousands of buildings already collapsed or incurred severe damage. Now, many more are thought to have been destroyed.

So far, ar least three people have been killed and three have been injured, Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu said at around 11 p.m.

The AFAD warned that sea level may rise by to 50 centimeters in the region following the earthquake. The Mersin Governor's Office urged the people to stay away from shorelines. The warning was canceled after a few hours.

UPDATE - Death toll in Hatay earthquake rises to six

(VK)