Magnitude 5.4 earthquake strikes northwestern Türkiye — No casualties reported
A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck northwestern Türkiye on Sunday afternoon, prompting residents to evacuate buildings and gather in open areas. No casualties or significant damage have been reported, according to initial information from emergency services.
The quake hit at 12:59 p.m. local time (09:59 GMT), with its epicenter in the town of Simav, located in Kütahya Province, at a depth of 8 kilometers (5 miles), the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) announced. A magnitude 4.0 aftershock followed shortly after.
Tremors were felt as far away as Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest city, roughly 100 kilometers (62 miles) to the north.
Local media aired footage showing residents gathering in parks and squares, avoiding enclosed spaces amid concerns over possible aftershocks.
The region has seen increased seismic activity in recent months. In August, a magnitude 6.1 quake struck Sındırgı, in neighboring Balıkesir Province, resulting in one death and dozens of injuries. Since then, several smaller tremors have been recorded.
Situated atop several active fault lines, Türkiye is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. In February 2023, a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake in the country’s south claimed more than 53,000 lives, severely damaging infrastructure across 11 provinces. The disaster also killed around 6,000 people in northern Syria.
Authorities continue to monitor the area around Kütahya and urge residents to remain vigilant.
