Successive earthquakes in the Aegean Sea

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Four successive earthquakes took place off the coast of Karaburun district in Turkey's Aegean province of İzmir today (February 1).

According to Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute of Boğaziçi University in İstanbul, the highest magnitude earthquake was recorded with 5.2 at 8.47 a.m. While a 4.9 magnitude earthquake took place at 8.46 a.m., a 4.6 magnitude earthquake hit the region at 9 a.m. and a 4 magnitude earthquake at 9.34 a.m., according to the observatory figures.

As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said that the first quake occurred at 8.46 a.m. local time (0546 GMT) with a magnitude of 5.1 and a depth of 20.69 kilometers (12.85 miles) off Karaburun district of İzmir province.

Only a minute later, this time a 4.8-magnitude quake hit the region at a depth of 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), according to the state agency AFAD.

The earthquakes were also felt in neighboring provinces.

Speaking about the issue, İzmir Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger has indicated that no losses of life or damage have been reported, adding that "the scans of the teams are still ongoing across the city."

Tunç Soyer, the Metropolitan Mayor of İzmir, has also said that two earthquakes that took place off the coast of Lesbos Island in the Aegean were felt in the districts of Urla, Foça and Dikili and central İzmir. He has said that no negative incidents have occured as a result of the earthquakes.

Turkey, geographically, is crossed by fault lines and prone to earthquakes. Last October, a powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit İzmir, claiming the lives of at least 116 people and injuring more than 1,000 others. (AÖ/SD)