A powerful 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the southwest coast of Türkiye near Marmaris in the early hours of Tuesday, June 3, 2025., a well-known tourist destination along the Mediterranean. People in the area and around the Aegean woke up startled by the intense earthquake, which was also felt on several nearby Greek islands, including Rhodes.
Turkish authorities and emergency services reported that the quake originated in the sea, with its epicenter a few kilometers south of İçmeler and Marmaris, in the province of Muğla.The earthquake occurred at 02:17 local time (23:17 UTC on June 2) and had an estimated depth of between 68 and 74 kilometers, according to reports from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Turkish agency AFAD.
Impact and first consequences of the earthquake
At least seven people were injured after trying to hastily evacuate their homes during the earthquake.Most of the injured suffered minor injuries, mainly from panicked falls while jumping out of windows or climbing down stairs. No fatalities or major structural damage have been detected. in the region's buildings, reflecting the effectiveness of construction measures in the area.
Emergency teams acted quickly, inspecting Marmaris and other nearby coastal towns and monitoring possible damage. Despite the scare, the Daily life could be resumed relatively quickly, although many residents remained on the streets for a long time due to nervousness about possible aftershocks.
Areas where the tremor was felt and citizen perception
The earthquake was felt across a wide swathe of southwestern Turkey and areas of the Aegean Sea.In addition to Marmaris and Mugla, cities such as İçmeler, Fethiye, Antalya and Izmir felt the tremors, as did several towns in Greece, including Rhodes, Kos and other nearby islands, where the tremor also woke residents and tourists in the middle of the night.
Hundreds of testimonies collected by seismic organizations describe everything from mild shocks to moderate and intense tremors, depending on the distance from the epicenter.Many Marmaris residents reported furniture, windows, and doors vibrating for 20 to 30 seconds, and some noticed very strong vibrations in the upper floors of buildings.
Technical evaluation and seismic context
The epicenter was located at sea, at coordinates 36.64°N and 28.25°E, according to official data.The quake reached a peak intensity of IV-V (moderate) on the Mercalli scale near the epicenter, and is considered a "low risk" for the population and property, according to estimates by the USGS and AFAD.
Scientific authorities indicate that the risk of significant damage or fatalities is low, with a probability greater than 65% that there will be no fatalities and less than 1% that economic losses will exceed 10 million dollars.The area combines vulnerable and resilient buildings, which helps mitigate the effects of earthquakes of this magnitude.
Statistical models indicate that this region experiences, on average, almost one earthquake of magnitude 5 or greater each year. The area is one of the most seismically active in southern Turkey and the Aegean, with a history of more intense earthquakes, such as those Destructive earthquakes of 2023 and the mid-XNUMXth century.
Response from the authorities and follow-up
National and local emergency management agencies are monitoring the area and remain on alert for possible aftershocks in the coming hours and days. For now, no significant aftershocks have been reportedExperts recommend following civil protection guidelines and plans in the event of possible new movements.
The earthquake has reinforced surveillance at critical locations and has prompted some basic recommendations, such as staying calm, avoiding elevators during earthquakes, and having an emergency kit ready in areas at risk of earthquakes.
Testimonies and citizen experience
Among the testimonies collected, the description of "a loud noise, furniture vibrating, and objects falling"Some were startled awake, thinking it was a problem with their bed, and many rushed outside. Most accounts reveal a feeling of surprise and unease, but no significant material damage.
In hotels and tourist apartments in Marmaris and Rhodes, the quake triggered alarms on mobile devices and prompted preemptive evacuations. After assessing possible damage, many residents and tourists were able to return to their accommodations.
Emergency services have set up channels to report sensations and potential damage, assisting in scientific analysis and rapid response to subsequent incidents.
The international scientific community emphasizes the importance of collecting data and evidence to improve seismic risk assessment models in the Eastern Mediterranean. This episode underscores the region's high seismic activity, characterized by frequent tremors and some very intense earthquakes in recent decades. It also highlights the responsiveness of emergency services and the public's preparedness for unpredictable events.