5.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Turkish Coast, Causing Panic and Casualties

Tone & Political Bias: Center

Why: The reporting is factual, focusing on the seismic event and its immediate impacts without political commentary or bias.

Earthquake Overview

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck at 2:17 a.m. local time on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 6 miles off the coast of Marmaris, Turkey. The tremor was also felt in nearby regions, including the Greek island of Rhodes.

Casualties and Injuries

• A 14-year-old girl in Fethiye died after suffering an anxiety-induced medical episode following the quake.

• Around 70 people were injured, mostly as a result of jumping from windows or balconies out of fear.

  
  

Structural Impact

• No major structural damage has been reported in Turkey.

• On the Greek island of Rhodes, some minor building damage occurred. Residents and tourists evacuated buildings as a safety measure, but there were no serious injuries reported there.

  
  

Seismic Details

• The earthquake originated at a depth of 60 kilometers (about 37 miles), which helped reduce the surface-level impact.

• Turkey lies in a region with high seismic activity and frequently experiences moderate to strong earthquakes.

  
  

Travel Advisory

• The UK Foreign Office has not issued any specific travel advisories related to this earthquake for Marmaris or the wider region.

• Dalaman airport, a major entry point for tourists in the area, remains operational.

• Authorities recommend that travelers stay alert for possible aftershocks and adhere to local emergency guidelines.

  
  

Context

This earthquake is the latest in a series of seismic events to affect Turkey in recent years. On April 23, 2025, a 6.2-magnitude quake struck near Istanbul, causing minor structural damage and leading to over 200 injuries due to panic reactions.

In 2023, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake killed more than 53,000 people in southeastern Turkey and caused thousands of additional deaths in northern Syria. That event prompted a national reassessment of emergency preparedness and building safety standards.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged residents to remain cautious. Emergency services are on standby, and officials have asked the public to avoid panic and follow instructions from local disaster agencies.