A powerful earthquake struck the west coast of Turkey early Tuesday, shaking towns and cities across the region and tragically claiming the life of a young girl who suffered a fatal panic attack during the chaos.
The earthquake, which measured 5.8 on the Richter scale, hit near the town of Izmir just after sunrise. According to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km, making it widely felt across western Turkey and parts of neighboring Greece.
Residents reported sudden, violent shaking that lasted up to 20 seconds. Many rushed into the streets in fear, some still in pajamas, while emergency services scrambled to assess damage and respond to urgent calls.
Panic Turns Deadly
Among the most heartbreaking outcomes was the death of a 9-year-old girl in the city of Manisa. Officials confirmed that the child died from cardiac arrest, believed to have been triggered by a panic attack during the quake. She had no pre-existing health conditions, according to local medical sources.
Her family said she was asleep when the quake began. In the rush and fear of the moment, her breathing became erratic. Despite immediate efforts to calm and revive her, she passed away before reaching the hospital.
Damage Reports and Emergency Response
Thankfully, no major structural damage has been reported so far. A few older buildings showed signs of cracking, and some roads suffered minor landslides in hilly areas. Local authorities quickly dispatched engineers to inspect schools and hospitals for safety.
AFAD also confirmed there were aftershocks, the strongest measuring 3.6, prompting warnings for residents to stay alert. Many people spent the morning outside, worried about the possibility of stronger aftershocks.
Earthquake Preparedness Under Scrutiny
The incident has once again raised concerns over earthquake preparedness in the region. While Turkey lies on several active fault lines and regularly experiences seismic activity, the tragic death has prompted a wave of public discussion about emotional readiness and how stress responses can be just as deadly as physical dangers.
Mental health professionals have urged families to talk to children about earthquakes in a calm and informative way, and to make emergency drills a part of household routines.
Conclusion
The earthquake that struck the west coast of Turkey was a sobering reminder of nature’s unpredictability. While infrastructure held up and injuries were minimal, the emotional toll, particularly the loss of a young life due to a panic attack, has left a deep impact on the nation.
