Tokat: An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck Tokat province in northern Turkey early Friday morning. The Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) stated in a press release that the earthquake occurred at 3:35 AM local time, with its epicenter in the Niksar district at a depth of 6.37 kilometers. The tremor was felt in several neighboring provinces, including Samsun, Amasya, ‚¬Å¡¬¡orum, and Sinop.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Tokat Governor Abdullah K¶kl said that AFAD teams and other relevant authorities began field surveys immediately after the quake, noting cracks in buildings and minor damage in some rural areas near the epicenter. He added that some residents sought medical attention at hospitals due to panic attacks, while several students in dormitories sustained minor injuries as a result of the stampede and panic. He emphasized that there were no alarming developments at this time.

Koklo explained that initial data indicates no significant damage in the villages, noting that most houses there are one or two stories high, which lessened the impact of the earthquake.