One person is dead and 69 people have been injured after a quake hit Greece and Turkey early this morning, with a teenage girl tragically confirmed as the first recorded fatality
A 14-year-old girl has died after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit Greece and Turkey, according to authorities.
A total of 69 people were also reported injured after many jumped from windows or balconies to get out of their homes in Fethiye, Turkey, early this morning.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency said the quake hit at 2:17 a.m. and was centred in the Mediterranean Sea, off the holiday resort of Marmaris.
It was felt in neighbouring regions, including on the Greek island of Rhodes, waking many from their sleep. There were no reports of damage to buildings.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya described scenes of mass panic on X, revealing that several people flung themselves from buildings. “In Muğla and its districts, 14 of our citizens who jumped from heights due to panic were treated on site,” he wrote.
“8 people were treated and discharged on their feet. The examinations and treatments of 46 of our citizens continue in the emergency room.”
READ MORE: Greece earthquake LIVE: Huge 6.2 tremor sees buildings sway as Turkey also hit
Addressing the youngster’s death, he told how she died after suffering a ‘panic attack’.
“In the earthquake, a 14-year-old girl named Afranur Günlü was taken to the hospital due to a panic attack in Fethiye, but unfortunately lost her life despite all interventions,” he wrote.
In nearby Greece, holiday group TUI has contacted Brit tourist currently holidaying in Rhodes saying: “Dear Guests. We would like to inform you that an earthquake occurred at 02.17am with a magnitude of 6.6 on the Richter scale.
“The epicenter was located approximately 18 kilometres from Rhodes, at a depth of 68 kilometers (42 miles).
“Local authorities are currently assessing the situation. At this time, there are no reports of significant damage or injuries. As a precaution, please remain calm and follow any safety instructions provided by your accommodation or local officials.
“Should any specific action be required on your part, rest assured that we will contact you directly with further guidance. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.”
Turkey lies on major fault lines, meaning that earthquakes occur frequently. In 2023, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 killed more than 53,000 people.
Hundreds of thousands of buildings were destroyed or damaged. In the northern parts of neighboring Syria, the earthquake claimed another 6,000 lives.