5.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Turkish Province of Tokat

A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck the northern Turkish province of Tokat on Thursday at 6:11 pm local time, according to the country's AFAD disaster management authority. The epicenter of the quake was located in the town of Sulusaray, approximately 450 kilometers east of the capital Ankara.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that teams from AFAD and other related agencies were dispatched to investigate the situation at the scene. "The governor, AFAD, and other relevant teams have started field inspections," Yerlikaya stated. He also announced a one-day break in education across the province.

The earthquake was felt in neighboring provinces, including Samsun, Yozgat, Çankırı, and Çorum. AFAD reported that a 2-story house in Yozgat and five barns in Sulusaray were affected by the tremors. However, Tokat Governor Numan Hatipoglu said there have been no reports of casualties or injuries so far.

Earlier on Thursday, Sulusaray was hit by two other earthquakes measuring 4.7 and 4.1 in magnitude. The quakes caused damage to several mudbrick and wooden homes and barns in the village of Bugdayli near Sulusaray. "The buildings, lampposts, and other structures swayed like a cradle," said one resident. "Many people are too afraid to return to their homes."

Why this matters: Turkey is located on active fault lines and experiences frequent earthquakes. In February 2023, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck parts of southern Turkey and neighboring Syria, killing more than 59,000 people in Turkey and leaving millions homeless. The latest quake in Tokat serves as a reminder of the ongoing seismic risks facing the country.

While the 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Tokat caused some material damage, initial reports indicate no serious casualties. Authorities continue to assess the affected areas and provide support to residents. The quake follows a series of smaller tremors in the region earlier in the day, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in earthquake-prone areas of Turkey.

Key Takeaways

• 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Tokat, Turkey on Thursday evening.
• Epicenter was in Sulusaray town, 450 km east of Ankara.
• Damage reported to 2-story house and 5 barns, no casualties.
• Earlier 4.7 and 4.1 quakes caused damage to mudbrick, wooden homes.
• Turkey is prone to earthquakes, a reminder of ongoing seismic risks.