A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck the southwestern region of Turkiye early Tuesday morning, injuring at least seven people and triggering panic in several cities, according to Turkish and foreign media reports.
The tremor was recorded at a depth of 75.1 kilometres, with the epicentre located in southwestern Turkey, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported. The quake was felt at 03:17am UAE time (2:17am local time), prompting residents in affected areas to evacuate buildings in fear of aftershocks.
Foreign media, citing seismological data, noted that the epicentre may have been near the Greek island region, with some reports placing it at a depth of 68 kilometres in that area. However, Turkish authorities have yet to confirm this discrepancy in seismic readings.
According to initial reports, seven people sustained injuries in various incidents related to the tremor. Emergency services responded swiftly, with local authorities deploying rescue teams and inspecting buildings for structural damage. The injured were reportedly taken to nearby hospitals and are said to be in stable condition.
Local media footage showed people gathering in open spaces, many wrapped in blankets, as aftershocks continued to rattle nerves. No casualties have been reported so far, but assessments are ongoing.
Turkey lies in one of the world's most seismically active zones, and earthquakes of such magnitude are not uncommon. In February 2023, a devastating pair of earthquakes struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, killing more than 50,000 people and causing widespread destruction.
