Powerful 6.2-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Rhodes and Southwest Türkiye; One Dead, Dozens Injured

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 in magnitude struck the Dodecanese island chain near Rhodes, Greece and the southwestern coast of Türkiye in the early hours of Tuesday, causing widespread alarm across the eastern Mediterranean. The tremor was recorded at 2:17 AM local time at a depth of 68 kilometres (42 miles), according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

The epicentre was located approximately 16 miles south of Rhodes, with strong shaking felt in Marmaris, Fethiye, and Muğla in Türkiye, as well as in Cairo, Damascus, and parts of Syria and Egypt.

Fatality and Injuries in Türkiye

At least one fatality has been confirmed a 14-year-old girl in Fethiye, Türkiye who suffered a fatal panic attack during the earthquake, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. The teenager was taken to hospital but could not be saved despite medical intervention.

Turkish authorities also reported 69 injuries, most resulting from people jumping from balconies or falling while trying to escape buildings. Hospitals in the Muğla province treated numerous patients for trauma and fractures, though no additional fatalities have been reported.

Aftershocks and Regional Response

Following the main tremor, a series of aftershocks ranging between 1.2 and 3.2 in magnitude were recorded across the Aegean Sea. While no tsunami alert was issued, both Greek and Turkish disaster response teams remain on high alert.

The Governor of Marmaris, Idris Akbiyik, confirmed that damage assessment teams were deployed across affected areas. No widespread structural damage has yet been reported, though minor cracks and debris have been observed in several residential and tourist buildings.

Widespread Impact

Tourists on Rhodes reported waking up to buildings swaying and furniture moving. In Marmaris and nearby towns, residents described flickering lights, shattered windows, and prolonged shaking. In Armutalan, near the quake’s epicentre, one woman told local media, “It felt like the whole room was collapsing. Glass smashed and the walls cracked.”

The UAE National Centre of Meteorology also registered the quake at 3:17 AM UAE time, confirming its intensity and wide geographical footprint.

Expert Commentary

Seismologists say the earthquake occurred along a highly active fault line where the African and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. Efthymios Lekkas, head of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, noted that the quake’s depth helped reduce surface-level damage, though its reach was extensive.

This region has a history of significant seismic events, including the twin 7.8-magnitude earthquakes in southeastern Türkiye in 2023, which claimed thousands of lives.

Travel and Public Safety

Despite initial panic, operations at Dalaman Airport (Türkiye) and Diagoras International Airport (Rhodes) remain unaffected. Ferry services continue without disruption. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not issued a travel warning for the region.

Travel insurance experts advise travellers to verify whether their policies include natural disaster clauses. While airline compensation does not cover seismic events, those with applicable coverage may be eligible for refunds on accommodation or emergency expenses.

Situation Under Monitoring

Authorities in both countries continue to monitor the region for additional seismic activity. Emergency crews remain mobilised in coastal towns across Türkiye and Greece, while inspections of buildings and infrastructure are underway.