Magnitude 5.9 quake rocks northwestern Türkiye, 22 hurt

The quake was also felt in Istanbul and other provinces including northwestern Bolu, Sakarya, Kocaeli, Bursa, Bilecik, western Izmir, Kutahya provinces, and the capital Ankara. (Pexels photo)

ANKARA – A powerful earthquake jolted Türkiye’s northwestern Duzce province early Wednesday, leaving at least 22 people injured, according to the country’s health minister.

Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said a 5.9 magnitude earthquake was traced in Golyaka District at 4.08 a.m. (0108GMT).

It has a depth of 6.81 kilometers (4.2 miles).

The quake was also felt in Istanbul and other provinces including northwestern Bolu, Sakarya, Kocaeli, Bursa, Bilecik, western Izmir, Kutahya provinces, and the capital Ankara.

Following the major jolt, a total of 18 aftershocks were recorded.

AFAD said it has imposed to cut the power in the region as a precautionary measure.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Twitter that one injured person’s condition is critical.

He noted that the National Medical Rescue Teams and ambulances have been dispatched to the province.

Duzce Governor Cevdet Atay announced that schools will be closed Wednesday due to the earthquake.

In 1999, Duzce province was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake which lasted 30 seconds, killing 710 people and injuring 2,679.