In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake jolted the Marmaris region in southwestern Turkey, resulting in the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl and injuries to at least 70 others. The quake, which occurred just after 2:00 a.m. local time, prompted widespread panic across several towns in Muğla Province as residents fled their homes in fear.
The earthquake, according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), struck at precisely 2:17 a.m. local time (2317 GMT Monday), with its epicenter located about 10 kilometers (approximately six miles) off the coast of Marmaris in the Aegean Sea. Its tremors were powerful enough to be felt not only throughout southwestern Turkey but also in parts of Greece and as far afield as Egypt, highlighting its regional impact.
Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the fatality and updated casualty numbers in a statement shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). According to Yerlikaya, the sole fatality reported was a 14-year-old girl named Afranur Günlü from the town of Fethiye, roughly 100 kilometers east of Marmaris.
“She was taken to the hospital following a panic attack triggered by the quake, but despite all medical efforts, her life could not be saved,” Yerlikaya said.
In addition to the teenager’s tragic death, about 70 people were injured in Muğla Province as they tried to escape the tremors. Some of the injuries occurred when people jumped from balconies or windows in a desperate bid for safety, leading to fractures and other trauma-related injuries.
Minister Yerlikaya provided a detailed breakdown of the injuries sustained. Fourteen people were treated at the scene and did not require hospitalization. Eight others received brief medical attention and were later discharged. However, 46 individuals remain under hospital care, with some reportedly suffering from more serious injuries. While there were no initial reports of buildings collapsing, authorities are continuing assessments to ensure structural safety in affected areas.
Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the region, and AFAD, along with local municipal units, coordinated efforts to inspect buildings for damage and ensure public safety. Authorities reassured the public that no major infrastructure had been destroyed and emphasized that the region’s buildings had withstood the quake relatively well.
5.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southwestern Turkey, Killing Teen and Injuring Dozens
In Marmaris and nearby towns, residents were visibly shaken by the night’s events. Many people chose to remain outdoors for the remainder of the night, fearful of potential aftershocks. The government has since deployed mobile units offering medical and psychological support to those affected.
Turkey lies on several major fault lines and is among the most seismically active countries in the world. The region around the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, where the latest quake occurred, is particularly susceptible to tectonic activity due to the complex interactions between the African and Eurasian plates.
This recent earthquake is a stark reminder of Turkey’s ongoing vulnerability to natural disasters and highlights the critical importance of continued investments in earthquake-resistant infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and public awareness.
The seismic event also rattled parts of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea and reached as far as the northern coast of Egypt. Although there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage outside of Turkey, authorities in neighboring countries monitored the situation closely and issued advisories to their populations.
Seismologists have warned of the potential for aftershocks in the coming days and have urged residents to remain cautious. In the meantime, Turkish authorities have issued guidelines on what to do in the event of further tremors and have encouraged families to have emergency kits and plans in place.
As the region begins to recover, messages of support and condolences have poured in from across the country and beyond. Local officials praised the resilience of the communities affected and commended first responders for their swift action.
Though the earthquake did not cause widespread destruction, the loss of young Afranur Günlü has left the nation mourning. Her death serves as a painful reminder of the human toll natural disasters can take, even when structural damage is minimal.
As southwestern Turkey assesses the aftermath and heals from this traumatic event, efforts continue to support those injured, evaluate buildings for safety, and prepare for any further seismic activity.
