A 5.5 quake jolts central Turkey, sending residents into the cold streets

A 5.5 quake jolts central Turkey, sending residents into the cold streets A 5.5 earthquake has hit central Turkey and sent frightened residents into the streets, but Turkey's disaster response agency says no damage has been reported By The Associated Press March 12, 2026, 10:25 PM ANKARA, Turkey -- A moderately strong earthquake struck central Turkey on Friday, Turkey’s emergency response said. The tremor sent some residents rushing into the streets but no damage has been reported. The magnitude 5.5 quake was centered in the town of Niksar in Tokat province, at a depth of 6.4 kilometers (4 miles), according to the Disaster and Emergency Management agency, AFAD. It occurred at 3:35 a.m. and was felt in several provinces, AFAD said, adding that “no adverse developments” were reported. Still, many residents were seen waiting in cars or in the streets despite the cold, afraid to return to homes, Haberturk news channel reported. Popular Reads Mojtaba Khamenei chosen as Iran's next supreme leader, Iranian state media reports Mar 9, 5:55 AM FBI warns Iran aspired to attack California with drones in retaliation for war: Alert Mar 11, 10:01 PM Iran live updates: Rescue effort underway after US refueling aircraft crashes in Iraq 2 hours ago Turkey sits on top of major fault lines and earthquakes are frequent. In 2023, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake killed more than 53,000 people in Turkey and destroyed or damaged hundreds of thousands of buildings in 11 southern and southeastern provinces. Another 6,000 people were killed in the northern parts of neighboring Syria. Related Topics Turkey Sponsored Content by Taboola Popular Reads Mojtaba Khamenei chosen as Iran's next supreme leader, Iranian state media reports Mar 9, 5:55 AM Synagogue ramming probed as targeted act of violence against Jewish community: FBI 2 hours ago FBI warns Iran aspired to attack California with drones in retaliation for war: Alert Mar 11, 10:01 PM Iran live updates: Rescue effort underway after US refueling ...