A powerful 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Turkey’s southwestern coast in the early hours of June 3, 2025, causing widespread panic and injuries. The tremor, centered near Marmaris, was strongly felt across nearby Greek islands, particularly Rhodes. Tragically, one fatality was reported, a 14-year-old girl who died from an anxiety attack, while dozens more sustained injuries, primarily from jumping out of buildings in fear.
Deadly Tremor Rocks Turkish Coast
At approximately 2:17 AM local time on June 3, 2025, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake rattled the border region between Turkey and Greece. The epicenter was located in the Mediterranean Sea, roughly 3 miles south of İçmeler, near the popular resort town of Marmaris. The quake’s depth, estimated at 37 to 44 miles (60-70 km), helped mitigate surface impact, yet its intensity caused significant alarm.
Key Takeaways
- Magnitude: 5.8
- Time: 2:17 AM local time (June 3, 2025)
- Epicenter: Approximately 3 miles south of İçmeler, near Marmaris, Turkey
- Depth: 37-44 miles (60-70 km)
- Casualties: 1 fatality (14-year-old girl due to anxiety attack), 69 injured
- Affected Areas: Southwestern Turkey (Marmaris, Fethiye, Muğla) and Greek islands (Rhodes)
Widespread Panic And Injuries
The earthquake triggered widespread panic among residents and tourists alike. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed 69 injuries, with many individuals sustaining harm from jumping from windows or balconies in their fright. In Muğla, 14 injured individuals received on-site treatment, eight were discharged, and 46 remained under emergency care. CCTV footage from Marmaris captured the intensity of the quake, showing rippling swimming pools and shaking buildings.
Impact On Greek Islands
The tremor was strongly felt across the Greek islands, particularly Rhodes, where tourists and residents evacuated buildings and spent hours outdoors. Despite the alarm, Regional Governor Giorgos Hadjimarkos reported only minor material damage and no injuries on Rhodes. Emergency teams conducted overnight inspections of schools and public buildings, confirming no significant structural damage.
Aftershocks And Seismic Activity
A series of aftershocks, ranging from M1.2 to M3.2, followed the main quake, further contributing to local anxiety but causing no additional damage. Turkey is situated on major fault lines and is one of the most seismically active regions globally. This event follows the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in February 2023, which resulted in over 53,000 fatalities in southern Turkey.
Sources
- M5.8 earthquake near Marmaris, Turkey kills one and injures 69, The Watchers – Watching the world evolve and transform.
- Magnitude 5.8 earthquake rattles Turkey, causes panic and injuries, AccuWeather.
- Map: 5.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Turkey, The New York Times.
- Is Turkey safe to visit? Foreign Office issues urgent update after major Earthquake, The Mirror US.
- 5.8-magnitude earthquake shakes Turkey off Marmaris, ABC7 Los Angeles.
