A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Malatya province in eastern Turkey on Wednesday morning, causing panic among residents and leading to the evacuation of schools as a precaution.
According to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority AFAD, the earthquake happened at around 09:00 local time in the Battalgazi district of Malatya. AFAD reported the depth at around 7 kilometers. Reuters also reported the quake as 5.8 magnitude, citing the German Research Center for Geosciences, with a depth of around 10 kilometers.
The tremor was felt not only in Malatya but also in surrounding provinces. Reports said people rushed out of buildings, while schools were evacuated to ensure student safety. Early official reports said there were no immediate major damages or casualties.
Malatya is located in eastern Anatolia, a region that has experienced several strong earthquakes in recent years. The latest quake brought back concerns linked to Turkey’s seismic risk, especially after the devastating 2023 earthquakes that affected many provinces in southern and southeastern Turkey.
Authorities continued to monitor the situation and aftershocks, while residents were advised to stay cautious and follow official safety instructions.
