A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck the coastal town of Marmaris in southwestern Turkey early Tuesday, leaving one person dead and at least 70 injured. The quake hit at 2:17 am local time, with its epicenter about 10 kilometers off the coast.
Most of the injured were hurt while trying to flee buildings to escape the quake. The victim, a 14-year-old girl, died from shock despite being rushed to the hospital and receiving treatment.
According to Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, the girl’s death was a tragic consequence of the sudden and intense shaking. Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported that there was no immediate damage to buildings or infrastructure in the area.
The earthquake was powerful enough to cause widespread panic, with many people seeking safety outdoors. As rescue efforts continue, officials are working to assess the full extent of the damage.
This recent disaster is a sobering reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness and the need for communities to be resilient in the face of natural disasters.
Source: channelnewsasia