A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey’s Malatya province at 10:46 local time (est. 09:46 SAST) on Wednesday, causing panic as tremors were felt across multiple regions.
Story Summary:
- A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey’s Malatya province, with footage capturing its impact as it was felt across several surrounding regions.
- Authorities report no significant damage or injuries yet, with field assessments ongoing.
- A 6.0-magnitude earthquake can cause significant damage, especially in poorly constructed areas.
Turkey earthquake today: Here are the latest updates
Footage circulating online has captured the dramatic moment the quake hit, showing buildings swaying and citizens reacting to the tremors in real-time.
According to reports, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) confirmed the epicentre was located in Malatya’s Kale district, at a depth of 10.07 kilometres.
The earthquake was felt in surrounding provinces such as Diyarbakir, Elazig, and Tunceli, with authorities temporarily suspending education in Malatya and Elazig.
Fortunately, initial reports indicate no major injuries or structural damage, though field assessments are still ongoing.
Malatya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Sami Er reassured the public, saying, “There have been no reported problems so far.”
However, AFAD teams and local institutions have been deployed to conduct thorough surveys of affected areas.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya took to social media to announce that all relevant agencies are closely monitoring the situation, while Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus also sent his well wishes, stressing that all state institutions are on high alert to support citizens.
In one striking moment, Hulya Kaya, an anchor for Malatya-based ER TV, was broadcasting live when the earthquake struck.
The footage, now circulating online, shows Kaya’s initial shock as the tremors disrupted the broadcast.
How dangerous is a 6.0-magnitude earthquake?
A 6.0-magnitude earthquake is considered strong and can cause significant damage, particularly in areas with poorly constructed buildings.
The force of the tremor can result in collapsed structures, cracked roads, and widespread panic.
However, the depth and location of the quake play a critical role in determining the level of destruction.
In this case, while the earthquake was deeply felt, immediate reports suggest that its impact was less severe due to preparedness measures and robust infrastructure in some regions.
As authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage, the people of Malatya and surrounding provinces remain on edge, bracing for potential aftershocks.
More updates are expected as assessments continue throughout the affected regions.