A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck the Karaköprü district of southeastern Türkiye's Şanlıurfa province Thursday morning, causing widespread panic across multiple provinces but resulting in no immediate loss of life or structural collapse, authorities said.
The tremor occurred at 10:40 a.m. local time at a shallow depth of 7.4 kilometers (4.6 miles), according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
The earthquake was felt extensively throughout the region, shaking Şanlıurfa's city center along with the neighboring provinces of Diyarbakır, Mardin, Siirt, Şırnak, Batman, Gaziantep, Adıyaman and Malatya.
Following the quake, anxious residents emptied buildings and gathered in streets, avenues, and public parks to await safety updates.
Emergency assessment teams were immediately dispatched to survey the epicenter and surrounding areas.
Adil Ipeksever, a Şanlıurfa resident, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that he felt the earthquake and left the building immediately.
“I felt a strong earthquake. Naturally, I was very frightened because I had witnessed previous earthquakes,” Ipeksever said, adding that there were no casualties or property damage.
“Thankfully, there was no loss of life or property. May God spare me from experiencing this again,” he said.
Another resident, Kamil Şiş, said the earthquake caused panic and prompted people to leave their buildings.
“I panicked because of the intensity of the earthquake and tried to get outside,” Şiş said, adding that there was no destruction but that a frightening sound had scared residents.
“Everyone is fine, thankfully, and there are no problems,” he said.
Şanlıurfa Governor Hasan Şıldak said initial inspections had found no fatalities or collapsed buildings.
“At this point, there have been no fatalities or destruction based on the initial inspections in the field,” Şıldak said. “I wish everyone a speedy recovery. Our field assessments are continuing.”
Şıldak later announced on X that educational activities at all schools, as well as nurseries and day care centers across the province, were suspended Thursday due to the earthquake.
Following the earthquake, Şıldak went to the Security and Emergency Situation Coordination Centre, known as GAMER, where he met with agency directors and received updates on operations in the field.
He said about 40 people sought medical attention because of panic-related incidents following the earthquake and received the necessary treatment.
“So far, no buildings have collapsed,” Şıldak said, adding that authorities were responding to reports of partially damaged buildings based on field inspections and notifications.
He said damage assessment teams had begun working in the field to examine reports from residents and check schools and mosques for damage.
"We will take the necessary steps," Şıldak said, adding that the situation in Şanlıurfa was under control and residents had returned to their daily lives.
