Shallow M5.7 earthquake hits western Turkey, numerous aftershocks shaking the region

credit: Google, TW/SAM

A shallow earthquake registered by the EMSC as M5.7 hit western Turkey at 06:34 UTC (09:34 local time) on March 20, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 11 km (6.8 miles).  USGS is reporting M5.7 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). At least 50 aftershocks were detected over the next 2 hours, according to data provided by the EMSC.

The epicenter was located 18.8 km (11.7 miles) WSW of Yesilova (population 6 777), 19 km (11.8 miles) E of Acıpayam (population 10 924), 31 km (19.2 miles) ESE of Serinhisar (population 17 169) and 32.3 km (20.1 miles) N of Gölhisar (population 12 721) and 56.6 km (35. miles) SE of Denizli (population 313 238), Turkey.

There are 2 050 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

28 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 107 000 moderate, 1 312 000 light and 1 742 000 weak.

There were no immediate reports of casualties, according to mayors and administrators of districts at and around the epicenter of the tremor, Reuters reports.

Administrators from the districts of Ucari and Yenikoy, the epicenter of the quake, said on NTV some 20 buildings and houses were damaged. Officials were still assessing the damage.


The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and dressed stone/block masonry construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses

Location of M5.7 earthquake in Turkey on March 20, 2019 and aftershocks over the next 2 hours. Data source: EMSC. Image credit: TW/SAM
Bron: watchers.news