The earthquake that struck at 2:18 a.m. in the early hours of Tuesday morning, in the sea area between Rhodes and southwestern Turkey, was felt by residents of Rhodes and other Dodecanese islands. Reports indicate that one 14-year-old girl has died and around seventy persons were injured in Turkey in connection with the earthquake, with some even jumping off balconies in fear.

Fortunately for Greece, no significant damage, deaths or injuries have been reported on any of the islands, despite the disturbance it caused among residents.  Minor damages, such as the collapse of the facade of a building owned by the regional government of Rhodes, are reportedly being addressed by the local authorities but are no cause for concern.

Rhodes earthquake

In a statement, South Aegean Regional Governor George Hatzimarkos emphasized that the tremor was strong and that many tourists on the island were frightened and temporarily left their accommodations. However, the governor noted that “the state mechanism was on alert from the very first moment. We are in constant communication with all the islands in the region, and for now, the situation is under control. At the same time, we are making sure to inform and reassure tourists staying on our islands, many of whom are unfamiliar with earthquakes, so that no panic arises. We remain prepared and vigilant, as does the entire state mechanism.”

Meanwhile, images continue to come in from Turkey revealing residents taking to the streets in the hours of the night.

So far, no significant damages have been reported in Turkey either and authorities remain on high alert.