A 5.8-magnitude earthquake hit the Turkish Mediterranean coast, leaving seven people hurt. (Image: Reuters)
A strong earthquake measuring 5.8 shook the coastal town of Marmaris early Tuesday morning. The quake hit just after 2 a.m., shaking homes and waking many people in the area. It also affected nearby regions, including the Greek island of Rhodes.
Panic and Injuries
The disaster agency said the earthquake’s center was in the Mediterranean Sea. People in Marmaris panicked and some jumped from windows and balconies trying to escape. Marmaris’ governor, Idris Akbiyik, said seven people were hurt while fleeing. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries reported. Officials are treating those injured.
Widespread Shaking Felt
The earthquake was strong enough to be felt across neighboring regions. Many residents were woken up by the shaking, causing fear and confusion in the early hours of the day.
Earthquake Risks in Turkiye
Turkiye lies on major fault lines, making earthquakes common. The country faces constant risk due to its location on these active faults.
Past Earthquake Tragedies
In 2023, Turkiye suffered a much stronger quake with a magnitude of 7.8. That disaster killed over 53,000 people and caused severe damage to buildings across southern provinces. Nearby Syria also suffered heavy losses, with about 6,000 deaths in the north.
This latest earthquake, while less deadly, serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
