A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Marmaris in Muğla province at around 2:17 AM, according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The quake, which occurred at a depth of 67.91 kilometers in the Mediterranean Sea, was felt strongly in several neighboring provinces including Antalya, İzmir, Aydın, Denizli, Manisa, Bursa, and Kütahya.
Casualties and Damage Report
Tragically, a 14-year-old girl named Afranur Günlü died after suffering a panic attack during the earthquake in Fethiye. Additionally, 69 people sustained injuries, primarily due to panic and falls during evacuation attempts. Of those, 14 were treated at the scene, 8 were discharged after outpatient care, and 46 remain under observation and treatment in emergency services.
Muğla Governor İdris Akbıyık confirmed there were no structural collapses in buildings or disruptions to key infrastructure such as electricity, water, natural gas, or sewage systems. However, scenes of panic were widely reported, including people jumping from balconies and running into the streets.
Eyewitness Accounts and Recorded Footage
Many residents shared video footage of the quake captured by home security cameras and mobile phones. In one video from İzmir, a person filming a swinging chandelier can be heard saying, “Good evening friends, there was just an earthquake. We’re still shaking.”
Demet Kızıl, a resident of Marmaris, described the tremor as unusually strong and long-lasting:
“We’re used to minor tremors here in Marmaris, but this one was louder and stronger. I woke up to a rumble and waited for it to stop before getting out of bed. When I stepped outside, the streets were full of people. Once the panic settled, most returned home. I heard some people jumped from balconies.”
Official Statements
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya expressed his condolences in a social media statement:
“A 5.8 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Muğla’s Marmaris. According to initial assessments, there is no structural damage in residential buildings. Sadly, 14-year-old Afranur Günlü passed away due to a panic attack. I extend my condolences to her family and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. May God protect our nation from such disasters.”
Emergency response efforts continue, with AFAD and local authorities conducting field assessments.
Summary:
- Magnitude: 5.8
- Location: Off the coast of Marmaris, Muğla
- Depth: 67.91 km
- Felt in: Antalya, Aydın, İzmir, Denizli, Manisa, Bursa, Kütahya
- Fatalities: 1 (14-year-old girl)
- Injured: 69
- Infrastructure damage: None reported
- Response: Ongoing emergency assessments and support operations
