Earthquake measuring 5.9 hits eastern Turkiye

Ankara, AP: A moderately strong earthquake struck eastern Turkiye on Wednesday, causing widespread panic, officials said. No serious injury or significant destruction was reported. The earthquake with a magnitude 5.9 struck the town of Kale in Malatya province at 10:46 a.m. (07:46 GMT), according to the government-run Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, known as AFAD. The earthquake was felt in nearby provinces including Diyarbakir, Elazig, Sanliurfa and Tunceli, as well as in some parts of northern Syria. People rushed out of homes and offices in fear throughout the region. More than an hour after the quake struck, many were still waiting in the streets and parks, reluctant to return indoors. Schools were ordered closed in Malatya and Elazig. In Elazig, about a dozen people sustained minor injuries after jumping out of windows in panic.