Tokat Earthquake (March 2026)

Tokat Earthquake is a 5.5 magnitude earthquake that occurred on 13 March 2026 in the Niksar district of Türkiye’s Tokat province. The tremor struck at 03:35 and was felt in surrounding provinces.

Security camera footage from the moment of the earthquake, 13 March 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)

Characteristics of the Earthquake

The epicenter of the earthquake is located in Niksar district of Tokat. The magnitude was measured at 5.5 and the tremor was determined to have originated at a depth of approximately 6.37 kilometers below the surface.

The earthquake was not only felt in Tokat but also in many surrounding provinces. It was reported to have been particularly noticeable in Samsun, Amasya, Ordu, Sivas and Çorum, among other areas in the Black Sea and Central Anatolia regions.

Impact on the Region

Following the earthquake, it was reported that residents in some settlements in Tokat and its vicinity felt the tremor and briefly evacuated their homes. Limited damage occurred in some buildings, with reports of plaster falling from walls and some suspended ceilings collapsing.

It was also reported that Aysel Nadide Başar Residential Regional Middle School in Tokat sustained minor cracks and plaster detachment on its walls.

Residents leaving their homes after the earthquake, 13 March 2026 - (Anadolu Agency)

Local Government Statements

Following the earthquake, Tokat Governor Abdullah Köklü stated that no negative reports had been received and that teams had begun field surveys.

Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı also stated that no adverse situation had been reported to his office so far. Amasya Governor Önder Bakan confirmed that no negative effects had been observed in the province after the quake. Çorum Governor Ali Çalgan reported that relevant units had conducted field inspections and found no adverse conditions.

Niksar Mayor Semih Tepebaşı emphasized that the earthquake was strongly felt in the region, saying, "Our gathering areas have been identified. So far we have encountered no adverse situations. I recommend our citizens remain calm and wait in safe locations. We will continue to provide updates based on information from authorities."

Erbaa Mayor Ertuğrul Karagöl highlighted that no negative incidents had been reported in the district so far, adding, "Our citizens may have panicked due to the sound of fire trucks. At that hour, our fire units had responded to a fire caused by an electrical fault. We also consulted with the district governor and confirmed that no adverse conditions exist in our villages."

Tokat Mayor Mehmet Kemal Yazıcıoğlu, in a written statement, expressed his condolences to those affected by the earthquake, saying, "No negative situation has been reported following the earthquake. Our teams are closely monitoring developments. May God protect our nation and country from all disasters."

Central Government Statements

Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi, in a statement on his social media account, extended his condolences to citizens affected by the 5.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Niksar at 03:35.

Çiftçi added, "To date, no adverse incidents have been reported. Our teams continue field surveys and assessments. May our Lord safeguard our country and nation from all disasters."

Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum also extended his condolences to citizens affected by the 5.5 magnitude earthquake in Niksar, Tokat, which was felt in neighboring provinces, stating, "To date no adverse conditions have been reported. Our provincial directorate teams will conduct damage assessments in the field based on reports. May God protect our country and nation from all disasters."

AFAD stated in its official announcement that initial assessments following the earthquake revealed no negative conditions. The agency’s statement read: "Immediately after the 5.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Niksar, Tokat at 03:35 and was felt in our provinces of Samsun, Amasya, Ordu and Sivas, no adverse conditions have been reported. Field surveys are ongoing. We extend our condolences to our affected citizens."

Suspension of Educational Activities

Following the earthquake, precautionary measures were taken regarding educational activities in Tokat. Tokat Provincial Director of National Education Hüseyin Kır announced that, as a precautionary measure, education was suspended for one day across the entire province. Authorities reported that relevant institutions continue field inspections and assessments in the affected area.

Statement by TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş

Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) Numan Kurtulmuş issued a message of condolence following the earthquake. In his message, Kurtulmuş stated, "I extend my condolences to our citizens affected by the earthquake in Niksar, Tokat, which was also felt in neighboring provinces. May our Lord safeguard our country and nation from all disasters."