Magnitude 5.9 quake hits Turkey’s eastern Malatya province

Duvar English

Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) on Oct. 16 reported that a 5.9-magnitude  earthquake occurred at 10:46 a.m., with its epicenter in the Kale district of the eastern Malatya province at a depth of approximately 10.07 kilometers. The tremor was felt in nearby provinces of Diyarbakır, Elazığ, Maraş, Tokat, and Adıyaman.

The Health Ministry announced no reported casualties. The Malatya Metropolitan Municipality reported that it received no negative reports at its command center so far and that their field scans were ongoing.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya also took to social media, stating that teams had begun field inspections after the quake. Schools in Malatya and Elazığ were closed for one day as a precaution.

Yerlikaya said, "In the aftermath of the 5.9 magnitude earthquake in Kale, Malatya, all teams from AFAD and relevant institutions have started field assessments. We are closely monitoring developments regarding the earthquake, which was felt in surrounding provinces as well. I extend my best wishes to our citizens affected by the earthquake. May God protect our country and nation from disasters."

According to Syrian state media, the earthquake was also felt in the regions of Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor, and Aleppo in Syria.

Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced that the ministry’s teams had been instructed to provide psychological support in regions affected by the earthquake.

AFAD provided an update after the earthquake, stating, "Damage has been reported in four buildings in Malatya, Şanlıurfa, and Elazığ. In Elazığ, four people were rescued from a partially damaged building. Rockfalls occurred in Pötürge and Kale districts of Malatya. We are monitoring the situation closely."