Turkey's energy infrastructure takes hit from major earthquakes

The devastating earthquakes that shook southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria early on Monday have damaged energy infrastructure and obstructed natural gas supply in the transcontinental country.

According to information provided by Turkey’s Disaster And Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 occurred in Pazarcik district of Kahramanmaras province at about 0417 local time on Monday, and was followed by another with a magnitude of 7.6 at 1324. As of 1700, about 1,500 citizens had lost their lives, based on information from Turkey’s Health Disaster Coordination Center (SAKOM).

Meanwhile, Syria Civil Defence, the humanitarian organisation also known as the White Helmets, reports that at least 385 deaths and over 1,000 injuries have been registered in the Syrian provinces of Aleppo and Idlib.

Turkey’s AFAD reported that natural gas cannot be supplied to the regions of Hatay, Hassa and Kirikhan. As a precaution, the state-owned BOTAS Petroleum Pipeline Company has ceased crude oil flow. It was also reported that electricity is not available in 27 centres.

Energy and natural resources minister Fatih Donmez stated, as cited by Anadolu Agency, that the natural gas main transmission line in the Turkoglu district of Kahramanmaras is one of the most damaged. It carries natural gas to Gaziantep, Hatay and Kilis, especially to Kahramanmaras. According to the minister, some 30 substations of Turkey Electricity Transmission (TEIAS) have been affected too.

Russia’s Rosatom, which is building a nuclear power plant in Turkey, was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti and Reuters that no damage has been identified to building structures, cranes and equipment at the project site.

AFAD says that Turkey ranks third in the world when it comes to earthquake-related casualties and eighth with regard to the total number of people affected.

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