A powerful 6.7 earthquake has rocked the coast of Turkey and parts of Greece — triggering a small tsunami in the Mediterranean Sea and sending tourists scattering from beachfront hotels.
At least 2 people died, and over 120 were injured.
Residents on the islands of Crete and Rhodes were said to have been affected, as well — along with vacationers in the coastal city of Marmaris, Turkey.
According to the US Geological Survey, the quake was reported off the southwest Turkish coast, near the resort town of Bodrum, at around 1:30 a.m. local time.
The island of Kos was said to have felt the brunt of it, with several hotels getting damaged and flooded. Resorts in the Turkish city of Marmaris were also abandoned as an onslaught of waves sent water rushing into them.
Many tourists have been forced to find shelter in public places after local authorities urged them to stay away from their hotels, on account of there likely being aftershocks.
“Just experienced 30 second earthquake in #Rhodes,” tweeted John O’Brennan. “Building shook furiously…Christ that was one hell of an experience. Let’s hope there are no more.”
The European quake agency EMSC reported that the earthquake created a tsunami in the Mediterranean sea, but Turkish officials later claimed it was small.
“A small tsunami is confirmed. AVOID BEACHES IN THE AREA, but you are safe on higher grounds,” EMSC wrote on Twitter.
Officials in Greece and Turkey told local media outlets that power outages are also affecting certain areas.
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