Panic struck in the middle of the night as a powerful earthquake rocked parts of Turkey and Greece, shaking buildings, waking up thousands, and forcing terrified tourists and locals to rush out into the streets. The early-morning quake left one teenage girl dead and nearly 70 people injured — most of them hurt while jumping out of windows in fear.
This shocking event unfolded in some of the most popular tourist areas along the Mediterranean coast, turning peaceful resorts into scenes of fear and confusion.
What Exactly Happened?
The earthquake hit around 2:17 a.m. local time, with a magnitude of 5.8. According to experts, its epicenter was in the Mediterranean Sea, not far from the Turkish coastal city of Marmaris. The quake occurred at a depth of 68 kilometers (about 42 miles) — deep enough to prevent wide-scale destruction, but strong enough to be felt across both countries.
In southwestern Turkey, residents of cities like Fethiye and Mugla reported loud rumbling sounds, rattling windows, and intense ground movement. On the Greek island of Rhodes, hotels were evacuated as tourists ran out in panic, unsure of what would happen next.
Casualty: A Teen Girl Dies Amid Chaos
One of the saddest moments of the night came when a 14-year-old girl from Fethiye, Turkey, collapsed while trying to escape. Officials later confirmed she died of a cardiac arrest, likely brought on by shock and fear during the quake. It’s a painful reminder of how natural disasters can affect even those not physically hit by falling objects or buildings.
Dozens Injured – Many While Trying to Escape
Local health workers reported that about 70 people were injured during the earthquake. Most of them weren’t hurt by debris — instead, they jumped from balconies and windows in panic, trying to escape the shaking buildings. Authorities in both Turkey and Greece quickly sent out emergency crews to help the injured and inspect the damage.
Hotel Guests Terrified in Rhodes and Coastal Turkey
In Rhodes, a favorite spot for European tourists, many hotel guests were jolted awake by the quake. Some said their beds shook violently, while others shared videos of people running into open areas barefoot, still in their pajamas.
Despite the chaos, no major building collapses were reported in either country — likely due to the earthquake’s depth and strong construction codes in the region.
Why This Region Gets So Many Earthquakes
This part of the world sits on a major fault line — where the Eurasian and African tectonic plates meet. That’s why countries like Turkey and Greece often experience earthquakes, both big and small.
Turkey especially has a history of deadly quakes. Just last year, a massive 7.8 magnitude quake killed over 53,000 people in southeast Turkey and Syria, making it one of the deadliest disasters in the region in recent memory.
What Now? Officials on High Alert for Aftershocks
Experts warn that aftershocks are still possible, and people should avoid damaged buildings or unsafe areas. Turkish and Greek authorities are working together to monitor the situation and offer help to anyone in need. Emergency teams remain on standby.
