Earthquake off Rhodes felt in Turkish resort

A powerful earthquake struck between Rhodes and the Turkish resort of Marmaris in the early hours of today (Tuesday).

 

The quake, which registered at around 6.6 on the Richter scale, occurred about 18km from the Greek island at a depth of 68km.

 

Local reports said tremors were felt across southern Greece, western Turkey, and coastal areas of the Aegean Sea. 

 

Authorities are assessing the situation, with no immediate reports of serious injuries or damage. 

 

Emergency teams were said to be remaining on alert for possible aftershocks as monitoring continues. 

 

A message sent by Tui to a British holidaymaker in Rhodes said: "Dear guests. We would like to inform you that an earthquake occurred at 02.17am with a magnitude of 6.6 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was located approximately 18 kilometres from Rhodes, at a depth of 68 kilometres (42 miles).

 

"Local authorities are currently assessing the situation. At this time, there are no reports of significant damage or injuries. As a precaution, please remain calm and follow any safety instructions provided by your accommodation or local officials.

 

"Should any specific action be required on your part, rest assured that we will contact you directly with further guidance. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.”

 

Scottish Labour councillor Nairn Angus-McDonald posted on X: “Nothing quite like a 6.6 magnitude earthquake to wake you up in the middle of the night in Rhodes.”

 

Professor Efthymios Lekkas, president of the Greek Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, told local media: “It is an earthquake whose main characteristic is its depth. 

 

“This depth allows us to say that although it was felt in a wider area of the Dodecanese and Turkey, it will not have significant effects on the surface; there will be no tsunami and, above all, there will be no rich aftershock sequence.”