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On Thursday afternoon, a significant earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale struck central Turkey, with tremors felt as far as Ankara, where President Erdogan was hosting a meeting with Ukraine’s officials.
Official seismological reports indicate that the quake measured 5.2 on the Richter scale and occurred around 3:46 PM local time.
The epicenter was situated approximately 14 kilometers northeast of Kullu, with the tremors being felt in numerous locations, including the capital, Ankara.
In response to the shaking, many residents evacuated their homes and buildings out of concern. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties or injuries thus far. Iran’s state-run Mehr news agency has also noted that the quake’s impact was felt in adjacent areas, but highlighted that there was no significant damage or loss of life.
This recent seismic event follows closely on the heels of a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck near the Fry region of Greece, raising public anxiety, especially in Turkey, which has a history of severe earthquakes.
The memories of the devastating earthquakes that affected Turkey and Syria in February 2023 remain vivid, where an initial quake of 7.8 was followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor and numerous aftershocks, resulting in the collapse of entire buildings and leaving towns in devastation.
This disaster resulted in approximately 59,000 fatalities in Turkey and 8,000 in Syria, marking it as one of the most lethal quakes in recent times. Seismologists caution that Turkey is situated in one of the most tectonically active regions globally, where the African, Eurasian, and Anatolian plates converge, within a subduction zone known for accumulating seismic stress.
Experts suggest that this geological configuration renders Turkey vulnerable to high-magnitude earthquakes, potentially reaching up to 9.0. Emergency services have urged residents to adhere to safety protocols and stay informed as the region remains on alert.
(Newsroom staff only edited this story for style from a syndicated feed)
