A 5.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Hama, Syria

According to SAEDNEWS, Late Monday night, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake rocked the region around Hama, a central city in Syria. According to the Syrian National Earthquake Center, the quake struck at 11:56 p.m. local time (2056 GMT), with its epicenter 28 km east of Hama and a shallow depth of just 3.9 km.

Residents across several provinces felt the tremor, which came on the heels of an earlier earthquake recorded the same evening at 9:30 p.m. This preliminary quake registered at a magnitude of 3.7, with its epicenter located 21 km east of Hama.

Fortunately, no immediate reports of casualties or major damage have been communicated by authorities, as noted by Xinhua. However, the state television channel has proactively posted safety measures on its social media platforms, urging residents to remain alert due to the possibility of aftershocks in the aftermath of the main quake.

In light of these seismic activities, many residents in Hama and certain areas of Damascus have opted to stay outdoors, driven by concerns over potential aftershocks. The memories of a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck northern and western Syria in 2023 are likely still fresh in their minds, a disaster that led to significant destruction and loss.

As the situation develops, it’s essential for residents to stay informed and prepared while hoping for stability in the region.