A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Marmaris in southwestern Türkiye early Tuesday morning, shaking the region and prompting widespread panic.

Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) reported that the earthquake was centered in the Mediterranean Sea and occurred at 2:17 a.m. local time.

The tremor was felt across neighboring regions, including the Greek island of Rhodes, where residents were jolted awake by the quake's intensity. While no structural damage was reported in Marmaris itself, panic led to injuries as residents fled their homes in fear.

Marmaris Governor Idris Akbiyik reposted a statement confirming that 69 people were injured—many of them after jumping from windows during the quake. The most tragic incident involved a 14-year-old girl in the nearby town of Fethiye.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the fatality in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter). “In Fethiye, a 14-year-old girl named Afranur Günlü was taken to the hospital due to a panic attack but, unfortunately, despite all interventions, she passed away,” he wrote.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the area for aftershocks. Emergency response teams remain on alert, though officials have confirmed that no significant damage has been detected in Marmaris or surrounding towns.

The quake is a reminder of Türkiye’s vulnerability to seismic activity, with much of the country lying atop major fault lines. Residents have been urged to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines issued by AFAD in the event of further tremors. (ILKHA)