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EARTHQUAKE

Several Lebanese killed in Syria and Turkey

Contacted by L'Orient Today, Lebanon's Foreign Ministry's spokesperson said the ministry does not have a death toll yet.

Several Lebanese killed in Syria and Turkey

Rescuers search for survivors under the rubble, following an earthquake, in Al Atarib, Syria February 6, 2023 in this picture obtained from social media. (Credit: White Helmets/via Reuters)

BEIRUT — At least four Lebanese citizens were killed in Turkey and Syria in the powerful pre-dawn earthquake that occurred Monday morning.

The quake killed more than 2,600 people in both countries. The Lebanese citizens were from Wadi Khaled and Tripoli in North Lebanon, their relatives and a local municipality head confirmed to L'Orient Today Monday evening.

The earthquake was also felt in Lebanon and caused panic among residents, leading to traffic on some roads as people tried to avoid their apartment buildings. Several construction projects were also damaged.

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Sawsan Nasouri and her daughter, Celine Haddam, both from Tripoli, were killed in the Syrian coastal city of Latakia during the quake, according to their relative, Ahmad Haddam. He explained to L'Orient Today that the mother and daughter were living in Syria because Celine was studying at university there.

Ahmad al-Sheikh,  head of a municipality in Wadi Khaled, also confirmed to L'Orient Today the death of Wissam al-Asaad and his daughter Nadwa, who were living in the Turkish city of Gaziantep.

Reports of a fifth Lebanese citizen killed were reported on social media, but L'Orient Today was unable to independently confirm the death.

In Turkey, earthquakes cause ‘total chaos’

In Turkey, earthquakes cause ‘total chaos’

Contacted by L'Orient Today, Lebanon's Foreign Ministry's spokesperson said the ministry does not have a death toll yet.

In an interview with LBCI, caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said all communication with Lebanese authorities in South Turkey is cut due to power outages caused by the quake. He added that the Lebanese ambassador in Turkey is following the matter closely. 

BEIRUT — At least four Lebanese citizens were killed in Turkey and Syria in the powerful pre-dawn earthquake that occurred Monday morning. The quake killed more than 2,600 people in both countries. The Lebanese citizens were from Wadi Khaled and Tripoli in North Lebanon, their relatives and a local municipality head confirmed to L'Orient Today Monday evening.The earthquake was also felt in...