What is known so far about earthquake that hit Türkiye’s eastern cities

On Wednesday morning, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake shook Malatya’s Kale district at 10:46 a.m., according to Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The quake was felt across several southeastern provinces, causing alarm among residents.

Following the 6.0 magnitude earthquake centered in Malatya, education was suspended for one day in Elazig and Malatya provinces.

No casualties or major damage reported

AFAD confirmed that, as of now, no casualties or significant property damage have been reported. However, officials are continuing their field assessments. Three buildings, one each in Malatya, Sanliurfa and Elazig, suffered partial collapses, but no injuries were recorded.

Diyarbakır Governor Murat Zorluoglu reported that the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Malatya did not have any negative impact on the city as of now.

In a post on his social media account, Governor Zorluoglu stated that the 5.9 (Kandilli reports 6.0) magnitude earthquake that occurred in Malatya was also felt in Diyarbakır.

Zorluoglu said, “In the earthquake centered in Kale district of Malatya, AFAD and all teams of our relevant institutions are on the field. As of now, no negative impact has been encountered in our city. May God protect our country and nation from all disasters.”

Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya, regarding the 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Malatya, said, “Partial collapse occurred in 3 buildings, 1 in Malatya, 1 in Sanliurfa and 1 in Elazig. There is no loss of life and property.”

In a statement made on his social media account, Yerlikaya stated that AFAD and related institutions continued their field surveys in Malatya, Diyarbakır, Sanliurfa, Elazig, Batman and Tunceli after the 5.9 magnitude earthquake in Malatya.

Minister Yerlikaya noted the following: “Our 112 Emergency Call Center received 374 notifications. Of these calls, 341 were for information and 33 were for assistance. The partial collapse occurred in a total of 3 buildings, 1 in Malatya, 1 in Sanliurfa and 1 in Elazig. There is no loss of life and property. I hope our citizens affected by the earthquake get well soon. May Allah protect our country and nation from disasters.”

Aftershocks

In Kale district of Malatya, 30 aftershocks occurred after the earthquake, according to AFAD.

It was determined that the aftershocks occurred in the range of 1.2 to 3 magnitude.

Authorities have warned residents of the possibility of further aftershocks in the coming hours. AFAD urged the public to avoid entering damaged buildings until they are deemed safe by experts.

Elazig Governorate has announced that schools in the city have been canceled today following the 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Malatya’s Kale district.

In a statement made by the governorship, it was stated that the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Kale district of Malatya was also felt in Elazig. In the statement, it was noted that with the instruction of Governor Numan Hatipoglu, education in the city was suspended today after the earthquake.

Emergency services on alert

Emergency teams, including the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) and 112 medical personnel, are actively conducting checks in affected areas.

Teams remain on high alert to respond to any emerging situations.

Warnings against disinformation

Government officials, including the Ministry of Interior and the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, have advised the public to avoid believing unverified reports circulating on social media.

Media outlets were also urged to practice responsible journalism and avoid spreading misinformation.

Government response

Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum assured the public that all reports of damage are being assessed, and teams will remain in the field to monitor the situation.

“I extend my get well wishes to all our citizens due to the 5.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred in the Kale district of Malatya and was felt in the surrounding provinces,” Kurum said.

“Incoming reports are being evaluated, and our teams continue to work on the field in all provinces affected by the earthquake. We are following the developments,” he added.