A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 has rocked eastern Turkey, resulting in at least one fatality and multiple injuries. The tremor struck near the town of Göksun in Kahramanmaraş province, a region still recovering from last year's catastrophic quakes.
Emergency services rushed to the scene as buildings crumbled and terrified residents fled into the streets. The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) confirmed the death toll could rise as search teams comb through the rubble.
Widespread Damage Reported
Initial reports indicate significant structural damage across affected areas, with several buildings completely destroyed. The quake's epicenter was relatively shallow at just 6.15 km (3.8 miles) deep, amplifying its destructive power.
"We felt extremely violent shaking," one local resident told reporters. "Everything in my house fell over, and we could hear buildings collapsing nearby."
Ongoing Aftershocks
Authorities have recorded numerous aftershocks following the initial quake, keeping the population on edge. Seismologists warn that more tremors are likely in the coming days as the earth's crust continues to adjust.
The affected region lies on major fault lines and experienced even deadlier earthquakes in February 2023 that claimed over 50,000 lives across Turkey and Syria.
Emergency Response Mobilized
Search and rescue teams have been deployed to the hardest-hit areas, working through the night to locate survivors. Hospitals in surrounding provinces have been placed on high alert to receive casualties.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that emergency shelters are being prepared for those displaced by the disaster. International aid organizations are monitoring the situation closely.
This latest seismic event serves as a stark reminder of Turkey's vulnerability to earthquakes and the ongoing need for earthquake-resistant infrastructure across the country.
