Earthquake of 5.1 magnitude strikes Turkey

Turkey and Syria experienced powerful earthquakes in February 2023, leading to massive loss of life and property.

According to a report, strong tremors were felt in Turkey's capital Ankara. There were no immediate reports of any damage or injuries.

An earthquake of 5.1 magnitude on the Richter scale hit Turkey on Thursday around 3.46 pm, independent scientific organisation EMSC reported. The tremor was felt at 14km northeast of Kulu.

The impact of the tremor was strongly felt across Turkey's capital, Ankara, but there are no immediate reports of casualties or injuries, according to Iran's state-backed Mehr news agency.

This comes after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the area near Fry, Greece, early Wednesday morning. According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake occurred at 1:51 a.m. local time at a depth of 78 kilometres. 

Tremors were felt as far away as Cairo, Egypt, as well as in Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan. Given the size of the tremor, which had its epicentre in the sea in Greece's southeast, local authorities issued a tsunami warning as a precaution.

The region is prone to big earthquakes. According to Turkey's disaster management authority, the country is prone to at least one earthquake of magnitude 5 every year.

Earlier this year, the island of Santorini experienced a series of tremors, with many exceeding a magnitude of 5 on the Richter scale, but no major damages were reported during that period either.

In February 2023, Turkey and Syria experienced powerful earthquakes. The initial quake measured at 7.8 magnitude, followed by a second one of 7.5 magnitude. This was accompanied by numerous strong aftershocks that led to building collapses. The devastating impact resulted in a death toll of 59,000 in Turkey and 8,000 in Syria.