A moderate earthquake struck central Turkey on Thursday afternoon, triggering panic among residents across the capital, Ankara. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the tremor was recorded at 3:46 PM local time, with a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was located approximately 14 kilometers northeast of Kulu city.
Initial reports indicate no casualties or significant property damage. Emergency response teams are monitoring the situation, and a detailed assessment is underway.
The incident follows a stronger earthquake earlier in the day near Fry, Greece, where a magnitude 6.1 tremor occurred at 1:51 AM local time. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake struck at a depth of 78 kilometers, with tremors felt as far as Cairo (Egypt), as well as in Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan.
Memories of the catastrophic February 2023 earthquakes that devastated parts of Turkey and Syria have resurfaced among residents. Those twin quakes, measuring 7.8 and 7.5, resulted in over 59,000 deaths in Turkey and 8,000 in Syria and caused widespread destruction.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain alert and follow official safety instructions as aftershocks remain a possibility.
