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This morning at approximately 8:52 a.m. local time, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Tusba district of Van, in eastern Türkiye.
According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the earthquake occurred at a depth of about 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) and was felt in surrounding areas. Initial reports indicate no casualties; damage assessments are ongoing.
Professor Dr. Hasan Sozbilir, director of the Dokuz Eylul University (DEU) Earthquake Research and Application Center and a member of AFAD’s Earthquake Science Board, described the earthquake as “moderate” in scale.
He emphasized that the quake is not a definitive precursor to a larger event, but likely a release of energy along a local fault line.
“The earthquake occurred in the northeastern part of Lake Van. The crust in this region is under north-south compression, which causes accumulated energy to be released along active faults. There are numerous thrust and strike-slip faults between Van and Muradiye,” Professor Dr. Sozbilir explained.
According to both national and international seismology centers, the earthquake was caused by a thrust fault formed due to compression. Professor Dr. Sozbilir added that aftershocks reaching magnitude 4 are likely to follow the main shock.
The expert also reiterated that the earthquake may be linked to energy accumulated on neighboring faults after the 2011 Van earthquake.
Buildings meeting engineering standards and ground surveys should avoid serious damage. However, Professor Dr. Sozbilir warned that rural masonry, adobe, or previously weakened structures may suffer small cracks or minor collapses.
“Citizens should avoid entering buildings with cracks or damage unless authorized by official institutions,” he advised.
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