Two Billion SYP worth of Earthquake Communication Damage in Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – On Tuesday, Iyad al-Khatib, Syrian Minister of Communication and Technology, said the cost of the earthquake damage sustained to the telecommunications sector is estimated at 2 billion Syrian pounds.
At dawn on Feb. 6, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Syria and Turkey, killing thousands and injuring much more. The earthquake also caused immense destruction of buildings, trapping thousands under the rubble.
Al-Khatib stated to state-run media outlets that the networks in the coastal city of Jableh in Latakia Governorate and surrounding areas sustained damages. He instructed to provide immediate support and needed equipment to the centers of Jableh and bring maintenance workshops and staff from the governorates of Damascus and Tartus.
As for cellular communication companies, the minister indicated that work is underway to restore nine out-of-service cellular stations.
The initial indications show that the scale of the economic losses caused by the Syria earthquake is going to be prolonged and considering the variety and nature of damages. The damages are not excluded to collapsed residential buildings only but to at-risk public and private property as well.