Türkiye experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location atop several significant fault lines. It is primarily located on the Anatolian tectonic plate. This tectonic plate is between two major plates, the Eurasian and African, and a minor one, the Arabian. The Eurasian plate hinders movements in a northward manner. The fault line is 1500 km long. It is at the intersection of the East Anatolian fault in eastern Turkey to all the way across northern Turkey and into the Aegean Sea. Interestingly, it passes within 20km of Istanbul, which is a concern to earthquake geologists.
In the early hours, the Golyaka district in Duzce experienced a 6.0 magnitude earthquake. Türkiye’s disaster management agency, AFAD, reported that the epicenter was 14 km away from Duzce, with the earthquake’s depth ranging between 2-10 km. Another earthquake of 4.7 magnitude was recorded 20 minutes later.
Situated 210 km east of Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, Duzce felt powerful tremors that reverberated all the way to Istanbul and Ankara. The current casualty count stands at 46. In response to the seismic activity, there were disruptions in power, further managed by intentional cuts as a precautionary measure.
Turkish Red Crescent and AFAD dispatched rescue teams with food and blankets. Turkish Red Crescent President Kerem Kinik said, “Our teams are supplying blankets, food, and water. Additional blood supplies were sent to hospitals that may be needed in the region”
Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu reported no casualties. He also said, “We almost completed our checks in the villages around Golyaka. No severe damage has been reported; only some barns were wrecked in these places. Authorities are presently reinstating power after a cut during the quake. AFAD president Yunus Sezer mentioned, “Field scanning continues.””