May 20, 2026, 12:05 p.mMay 20, 2026, 12:05 p.m
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck the eastern Turkish province of Malatya.
The quake occurred at 9 a.m. local time in the Battalgazi district at a depth of around seven kilometers, according to the Turkish civil protection agency AFAD. The tremors were also felt in several surrounding provinces. According to the state news agency Anadolu, the governor of Malatya said that there were no reports of damage or injuries so far. However, investigations and site investigations continued on site.
The quake had a magnitude of 5.6.Image: EPA USGS
Turkey lies in a very seismologically active area. Tensions arise on the fault lines between the tectonic plates and are relieved in the form of earthquakes. However, the exact timing or specific strength of the earthquakes is difficult to predict. In 2023, the region in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria was shaken by two devastating earthquakes. More than 50,000 people died in Turkey alone, and the quake caused severe destruction in both countries.
Scientists have been warning for a long time about the significant risk of earthquakes in Turkey. The metropolis of Istanbul, in particular, is considered to be at high risk. (sda/dpa)