Magnitude 5.9 earthquake rattles northwestern Turkiye, injuring 22

ANKARA: A powerful earthquake jolted Turkiye's northwestern Duzce province early Wednesday, leaving at least 22 people injured, according to the country's health minister.

Turkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said a 5.9 magnitude earthquake centered in Golyaka District struck at 4.08 am (0108GMT), reported Anadolu Agency.

The quake occurred at a depth of 6.81 kilometres (4.2 miles).

It was also felt in Istanbul and other provinces including northwestern Bolu, Sakarya, Kocaeli, Bursa, Bilecik, and western Izmir and Kutahya provinces, and the capital Ankara.

Following the quake, a total of 18 aftershocks were recorded. Power cuts are being imposed in the region as a precautionary measure, announced AFAD.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Twitter that one injured person's condition is critical.

He noted that the National Medical Rescue Teams and ambulances have been dispatched to the province.

Duzce Governor Cevdet Atay announced that schools will be closed Wednesday due to the earthquake.

In 1999, Duzce province was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake which lasted 30 seconds, killing 710 people and injuring 2,679.

--BERNAMA