During the quake in Turkey his morning 69 citizens jumped from heights due to panic and a 14-year-old girl has sadly died – the tremors were also felt in neighboring regions, including the Greek island of Rhodes
A 14-year-old girl has sadly died after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey this morning.
According to the Turkish disaster control authority, the earth tremors occurred at 2.17 a.m. in the Mediterranean. They were also felt in neighboring regions, including the Greek island of Rhodes where many people were woken from their sleep.
According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) a quake measuring a magnitude of 6.2 also hit Rhodes this morning. Holidaymakers took to X to report hotels were ‘violently swaying and shaking’ during the quake.
READ MORE: TUI issues update to tourists after 6.2 mag quake rocked holiday island
Marmaris’ governor, Idris Akbiyik, reported there was no immediate report of any serious damage but has now confirmed that 69 people were injured after jumping from heights due to panic and a 14-year-old girl has died.
In a post translated to English shared by Idris Akbiyik it read: “During the earthquake in Fethiye, our 14-year-old daughter, Afranur Günlü, was taken to hospital due to a panic attack, but unfortunately lost her life despite all interventions. In Muğla and its districts, 14 of our 69 citizens who jumped from heights due to panic were treated on site.
“8 people were treated and discharged on an outpatient basis. The examinations and treatments of 46 of our citizens continue in the emergency room. I wish God’s mercy upon our deceased Afranur child and offer my condolences to his family. I offer my best wishes to our citizens affected by the earthquake. May God protect our country and our nation from disasters.”
As Turkey lies on major fault lines, earthquakes occur frequently there. 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.
Following the quake in Rhodes this morning 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.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. The FCDO have yet to issue any warnings for Brits traveling to Rhodes or Turkey.
Follow our live blog for the latest updates by clicking here.