More than 77 aftershocks ranging from 0.7 to 3 magnitude have occurred in Malatya province, in eastern Turkey, following the 5.9 magnitude earthquake that struck at 10:46 a.m. in Kale and lasted until 1:44 p.m.
The focal depth of the earthquake was detected at 10.07 kilometers, and the tremor was felt in the neighboring prefectures of Elazig and Diyarbakir, but also in the surrounding area of Kahramanmaras, Erzincan, Tunceli, and Adiyaman, causing panic among residents.
Three buildings in Malatya, Sanliurfa and Elazig were damaged, while 4 people were rescued alive in a partially damaged building in Elazig. The governor of Elazig said, according to Turkish media, that 94 people were injured.
Malatia governor denies buildings collapsed
In a statement, Malatya Governor Sedar Yavuz said in a statement that there was no building collapse as all the buildings that were severely damaged had already been demolished, while those that were under litigation had been evacuated.
According to Yavuz, “there are no loss of life or injuries, but there are panicked citizens and reports of that.” He said there were injuries to civilians due to panic. One jumped from the second floor and is being treated in good condition at the hospital.”
Schools have been closed as a precautionary measure for the day.
The earthquake is live on TV
The moment of the earthquake was captured live on ER TV broadcasting in the city, while the announcer was seized with fear.
Although it was announced that there was no loss of life or property, emergency teams are on alert and crews are sweeping the areas affected by the earthquake.
Officials warn that aftershocks may continue and urge people to avoid entering damaged buildings.
In total, emergency services received 374 reports. “A total of 3 buildings were damaged, four people in a partially damaged building in Elazig were rescued alive and a rock fall occurred in an area of Malatya province,” AFAD reports.
Some damaged buildings in the city were surrounded by ribbons and security measures were in place.
