4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Jordan and Syria, Triggers Panic

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck Jordan and Syria, causing panic and minor injuries. Residents in both countries and Lebanon felt the quake. Syrian civil defense responded but reported no major damage. The quake revived memories of a devastating 7.8 magnitude quake in 2023.

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck Jordan and Syria late on Monday, as reported by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The tremors were felt across both countries and in Lebanon, causing widespread panic.

The quake originated at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). Initially reported as a 5.46 magnitude quake, the figure was later revised down. According to Maher Younis, Health Director of Hama city, at least 25 people sustained minor to moderate injuries due to stampedes.

Residents in Salamiya, east of Hama, expressed fear and rushed into the streets. The quake triggered flashbacks to a deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2023. Syrian civil defense deployed to several areas but reported no major damage. Lebanon also felt the quake, with many mistaking it for an air strike amid ongoing regional hostilities.

Jordan experienced a 3.9 magnitude aftershock less than an hour later, as reported by the state news agency.

(With inputs from agencies.)