Ankara, Turkey – May 16, 2025:
A moderate earthquake measuring 5.1 magnitude struck central Turkey on Thursday, May 16, shaking parts of Ankara and surrounding regions. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the tremor occurred at around 3:46 PM local time, with the epicenter located 14 kilometers northeast of Kulu in Konya Province.
The quake was strongly felt in Turkey’s capital, Ankara, sparking brief panic among residents. However, no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage have emerged, according to Iran’s state-backed Mehr News Agency and local authorities.
Turkey’s Earthquake Risk and Seismic Activity
Turkey is situated in one of the most seismically active regions in the world, where the Anatolian Plate meets the Eurasian and Arabian plates. The country experiences at least one earthquake of magnitude 5 or higher every year, according to Turkey’s disaster and emergency management authority, AFAD.
This latest tremor comes as a reminder of Turkey’s vulnerability to earthquakes, especially following the catastrophic twin quakes in February 2023, which devastated southeastern Turkey and parts of Syria. The initial 7.8 magnitude quake and its 7.5 magnitude aftershock caused the deaths of over 59,000 people in Turkey and 8,000 in Syria, making it one of the deadliest disasters in recent history.
Recent Seismic Activity in the Region
The Turkey quake comes shortly after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Fry, Greece, in the early hours of May 15. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake at a depth of 78 kilometers, with tremors felt across Cairo, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan. Greek authorities issued a tsunami warning as a precaution, though no major damage was reported.
Additionally, earlier this year, Santorini and surrounding Greek islands also experienced several tremors, many exceeding magnitude 5, highlighting the ongoing seismic tension in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Erdogan-Zelensky Meeting Coincided with Tremors
Interestingly, the 5.2 magnitude quake on Thursday also coincided with a diplomatic meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ankara. Reports suggest tremors were felt during the meeting, although proceedings continued without disruption. President Zelensky later departed for Albania, while his delegation continued talks in Istanbul.
Key Takeaways:
-
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey’s Kulu district near Ankara on May 16, 2025.
-
No casualties or damage have been reported as of now.
-
Turkey experiences regular seismic activity, with annual quakes of magnitude 5 or more.
-
The quake follows recent seismic events in Greece, reinforcing concerns about regional tectonic instability.
Stay Updated:
For more updates on natural disasters and real-time alerts, follow our Earthquake Tracker and stay informed about seismic events across the globe.
