A powerful earthquake has hit Izmir

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake has struck the western province of Izmir, Turkey’s third largest city.

The tremors have also shaken the neighboring provinces, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of Turkey (AFAD) has announced.

“According to our information so far, there was no loss of life from the 4.9-magnitude earthquake that caused great panic in Izmir. A total of 64 people were affected by the panic… The treatment of seven people continues, while one of them is in serious condition”, said the Minister of Health, Fahrettin Koca.

Meanwhile, as the Minister of the Interior, Süleyman Soylu, announced, a total of 20 buildings were damaged.

According to him, a minaret of the mosque was also destroyed.

Otherwise, Turkey is prone to earthquakes.

Last October, a powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck Izmir, killing at least 115 people and injuring more than 1,000 others.

Meanwhile in 1999, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the industrial province of Kocaeli, killing around 18,000 people and injuring around 45,000 others.