4.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Türkiye’s Black Sea city Rize
Graph showing the magnitude of seismic waves. (Adobe Stock Photo)
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake hit the Hemsin district of Rize at 12:02 p.m. on Friday, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The quake occurred at a depth of 12.85 kilometers.
Geophysics Engineer Professor Ovgun Ahmet Ercan commented on his social media account, stating, “The M4.8 earthquake in Rize’s Camlihemsin occurred along a local secondary fault that produces hot water. I do not expect a major earthquake to follow. Rize is one of the safest provinces.”
Ongoing field inspections in Rize
Local authorities confirmed that emergency teams are conducting field assessments following the tremor. As of now, no immediate damage or casualties have been reported.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya released a statement on social media platform X and said, “Regarding the earthquake with a magnitude of 4 .7 that occurred in Hemsin, Rize, AFAD and all teams of our relevant institutions immediately started field scans. The earthquake was also felt in the surrounding provinces of Artvin, Bayburt, Erzurum and Trabzon.”
Yerlikaya added, “According to initial findings, there are no significant issues. We received two health calls due to fear. I extend my best wishes to our citizens affected by the earthquake. May God protect our country and nation from disasters.”
Official response and statements
Officials extended their well-wishes to residents, assuring the public that inspection efforts are underway. No adverse reports have been received at this stage.
Hemsin Mayor Halim Kazim Bekar told an AA reporter, “It was a major earthquake. We are investigating whether there are any adverse situations. So far, nothing has been reported to us.”
Sibel Suicmez, Trabzon deputy of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) released a statement on X and said, “I extend my get well wishes to all our citizens affected by the 4.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Rize and was also felt in our hometown Trabzon and surrounding provinces.”
