A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey's eastern Malatya province on Wednesday, causing widespread panic, officials said. More than 40 people were being kept under observation in hospitals but there were no reports of serious injury or significant destruction.
The earthquake struck the town of Kale in Malatya province at 10:46 a.m. (07:46 GMT), according to the government-run Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, known as AFAD.
The earthquake was felt in nearby provinces including Diyarbakir, Elazig, Sanliurfa and Tunceli, as well as in some parts of northern Syria.
People rushed out of homes and offices in fear throughout the region. More than an hour after the quake struck, many were still waiting in the streets and parks, reluctant to return indoors. Schools were ordered closed in Malatya and Elazig.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said close to 190 people were “affected” by the tremor and 43 people were being kept in hospitals under observation.
In Elazig, about a dozen people sustained minor injuries after jumping out of windows in panic, Mayor Sahin Serifogullari said. Around 20 such incidents were reported in Malatya, HaberTurk television reported.
AFAD said a total of four buildings in Malatya, Sanliurfa and Elazig were damaged on Wednesday. In Elazig, four people were rescued unhurt from a building that was partially damaged, it said.
Recent Earthquake History
Malatya was one of 11 provinces that was devastated by a powerful earthquake that struck parts of Turkey and northern Syria last year. More than 53,000 people were killed in Turkey.
Many buildings at risk of collapse had already been either torn down or evacuated after the 2023 earthquake, Malatya Gov. Seddar Yavuz said.
Seismic Activity in Turkey
Turkey is crossed by two major fault lines and earthquakes are frequent. More than 17,000 people were also killed in a powerful earthquake in northwestern Turkey in 1999.
Impact on the Region
The earthquake caused widespread panic across the region, with residents rushing out of their homes and offices in fear. People congregated in public parks and streets, apprehensive about returning indoors. Educational institutions in Malatya and Elazig were closed as a precautionary measure.
Emergency Response and Assessments
Authorities swiftly dispatched emergency response teams to the affected areas to assess the situation and provide assistance. The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) reported damage to four buildings in Malatya, Sanliurfa, and Elazig, with four people being rescued from a partially damaged building in Elazig.
Public Reactions and Media Coverage
The earthquake triggered widespread concern and anxiety across the region. Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scenes of people fleeing buildings and offices. Turkish news channels provided live updates and coverage of the earthquake, highlighting the impact on the affected areas.
Aftermath and Ongoing Monitoring
The earthquake has prompted heightened awareness of seismic activity in the region. Authorities are closely monitoring for aftershocks and assessing potential risks to infrastructure and buildings. While the immediate impact of the earthquake was significant, authorities are working to mitigate further damage and provide support to affected communities.
A Reminder of Turkey's Seismic Vulnerability
The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of Turkey's vulnerability to seismic activity. The country is situated on two major fault lines, making it prone to frequent earthquakes. The devastating earthquake of 2023 highlighted the need for robust infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes.
Looking Ahead
The earthquake in Malatya has raised concerns about potential aftershocks and the need for continuous monitoring of seismic activity. Authorities will continue to assess damage, provide support to affected communities, and implement measures to strengthen infrastructure and enhance disaster preparedness in the region.
