An earthquake measuring 4.8-magnitude struck Jordan and Syria late on Monday, said the German Research Centre for Geosciences, with people in Lebanon also feeling its impact.
The centre said the quake was at a depth of 10km. It had earlier reported the magnitude at 5.46 but revised it down minutes later.
Its epicentre was recorded as near the city of Hama, in west-central Syria, the state news agency reported.
Hama police chief Maj Gen Hussein Jumaa told state media there were no reports of injuries in the city.
Local authorities in Hama and surrounding government-held areas reported no damages, Syria’s state-run news agency Sana said.
In the country’s opposition-held north-west, the local civil defence agency known as the White Helmets also said there was no damage.
In Damascus and Beirut in neighbouring Lebanon, where the earthquake was also felt, residents sought refuge in the streets fearing a stronger quake that would collapse buildings.
People across Syria felt the quake, with those in the northern city of Azaz saying they had flashbacks to the deadly 2023 earthquake that killed thousands in northern Syria and southern Turkey.
Damascus resident Roba, 35, said the latest quake rekindled painful memories of last year's devastating quake. “We panicked and rushed out of the building,” said Roba, an accountant.
Video – one year on from Hatay
“I was afraid that what happened during the last earthquake would happen again”, with buildings collapsing on sleeping people, she said. “We do not have the courage to go back to the 11th floor where we live.”
In Salamiya, a town about 30km east of Hama city, residents rushed out into the dark streets out of fear, said Nasser Duyub, a state employee.
“My son was sleeping, I don't know how I grabbed him and got out of the house,” Mr Duyub told Reuters.
People said a balcony collapsed and medics treated people who fainted.
Jordan's state news agency reported a 3.9-magnitude aftershock less than an hour after the initial quake.
Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said “some residents of Beirut” and other areas “felt a light earthquake at 11.56pm”.
How to become a Boglehead
Bogleheads follow simple investing philosophies to build their wealth and live better lives. Just follow these steps.
• Spend less than you earn and save the rest. You can do this by earning more, or being frugal. Better still, do both.
• Invest early, invest often. It takes time to grow your wealth on the stock market. The sooner you begin, the better.
• Choose the right level of risk. Don't gamble by investing in get-rich-quick schemes or high-risk plays. Don't play it too safe, either, by leaving long-term savings in cash.
• Diversify. Do not keep all your eggs in one basket. Spread your money between different companies, sectors, markets and asset classes such as bonds and property.
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• Forget timing the market. Nobody knows where share prices will go next, so don't try to second-guess them.
• Stick with it. Do not sell up in a market crash. Use the opportunity to invest more at the lower price.
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
