O Syria’s National Earthquake Center said the quake struck 28 kilometers east of the city of Hama at 11:56 p.m. (9:56 p.m. in Lisbon), while the United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated the magnitude of the quake at 5.0, with a depth of 10 kilometers.
There were no immediate reports of casualties. Local authorities in Hama and neighboring government-controlled areas reported no damage, Syria’s state news agency SANA reported.
Hama health official Maher Younes told Sham FM radio that 25 people suffered “minor and moderate injuries” after panicking and trying to escape the quake.
In the opposition-controlled northwest of the country, the local civil defense agency known as the White Helmets also said there was no damage.
In Damascus and Beirut — the capital of neighboring Lebanon, where the quake was also felt — residents took to the streets fearing a stronger earthquake that could collapse buildings.
In Lebanon, tensions are already high amid fears of an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Shiite militant group Hezbollah and Israeli forces that could tip the two countries into all-out war.
On February 6, 2023, a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Syria and Turkey, killing more than 59,000 people and adding to the devastation in already war-torn Syria.
Read Also: Five pro-Iran militants killed in attack in eastern Syria
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Source: https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/2614531/sismo-de-magnitude-5-0-atinge-centro-da-siria-sem-registo-de-danos
