Strong and shallow M5.8 earthquake hits western Turkey

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.8 hit western Turkey at 11:25 UTC (14:25 LT) on August 8, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M5.7 at a depth of 10 km (4.3 miles). The quake was preceded by M4.3 at 11:19 UTC.

The epicenter was located 8 km (5 miles) ESE of Baklan (population 6 756), 39 km (24 miles) S of Civril (population 14 002), 44 km (27 miles) WSW of Dinar (population 35 359) and 51 km (32 miles) E of Pamukkale (population 10 000), Turkey.

There are about 2 340 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles), 1.3 million within 75 km (46 miles) and 54 000 within 20 km (12.4 miles). 

55 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 126 000 moderate and 2 419 000 light.

Image credit: Google, TW/SAM

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and dressed stone/block masonry construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM