Malatya Earthquake (May 2026)

Malatya Earthquake (2026) is a 5.6 magnitude earthquake that occurred on 20 May 2026 at 09:00 in the Battalgazi district of Malatya province, Türkiye. The quake was felt not only in Malatya but also in Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, Adıyaman, Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, Elazığ, Kayseri and Sivas.

^{Malatya Battalgazi earthquake, 20 May 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

According to data from the Directorate of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD), the epicenter of the earthquake was identified as Battalgazi district of Malatya. The magnitude of the shaking was measured at 5.6 and the earthquake originated at a depth of 7.03 kilometers beneath the surface.

AFAD stated that field survey operations were launched immediately after the earthquake and that initial assessments found no adverse conditions. The agency noted that these surveys are ongoing.

In a statement posted on AFAD’s social media account, it was stated: “There is currently no adverse situation following the 5.6 magnitude earthquake that occurred at 09:00 in Battalgazi district of Malatya and was felt in our provinces of Adıyaman, Elazığ, Tunceli and Şanlıurfa. Field survey operations are continuing. We extend our condolences to our affected citizens.”

Malatya Governor Seddar Yavuz conveyed his condolences to all residents of Malatya and neighboring provinces. Yavuz, who confirmed that field surveys are ongoing, said: “To date we have received no reports of damage. Our teams are conducting field inspections. Our condolences to everyone. May God spare all of us from such disasters.”

Following the Disaster Coordination Meeting held at the Malatya Provincial Directorate of AFAD, Yavuz reported that 82 calls had been received by the 112 Emergency Call Center. He noted that 32 of these calls concerned damage reports while 50 were informational inquiries.

In his statement, Yavuz added: “To date, we have learned of partial collapses in three barns, partial damage to one residence and a collapse of one retaining wall. According to information received from the 82nd Roadways Branch Office, rock fragments were observed falling from a slope near the Pütürge Kubbe Dağı location due to the earthquake’s effects, and necessary interventions have been carried out.”

Governor Yavuz also reported that 74 individuals had sought medical attention at health facilities, adding: “As of this moment, 74 of our citizens have presented at our health institutions. Of these, 15 sought help due to fear and panic, that is, psychological reasons; 15 sustained minor injuries; and 46 citizens have been treated and discharged. Currently, 18 citizens are under observation in our hospitals. First and foremost, I wish swift recovery to our injured and affected brothers and sisters. There have been no fatalities.”

In a written statement issued by the Malatya Governorship, it was announced that, in consideration of the safety of students and citizens following the 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Battalgazi district, education and instruction have been suspended for one day across the entire province.

The statement added: “All our relevant institutions are continuing their necessary inspections and controls in the field and developments will be shared with the public. We extend our condolences to all our fellow citizens.” Malatya Turgut Özal University also informed its students that classes would not be held and attendance would not be taken throughout the day at its Battalgazi and Yeşilyurt campuses.

The Malatya Metropolitan Municipality reported that after the earthquake, turbidity was observed at the Gündüzbey intake used for drinking water supply.

The statement explained that due to natural disturbances in water sources caused by the earthquake, temporary turbidity was observed in the water supplied to the network. It added: “Our teams are conducting thorough inspections, controls and water quality analyses in the region. To safeguard the health of our citizens, the process is being closely monitored and necessary technical interventions are being carried out without interruption. We urgently request our citizens to exercise caution in their use of drinking water until clarity returns to normal levels. Further developments will continue to be shared with the public.”

Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber, noting that the earthquake was felt in his province, said: “To date, our relevant institutions have conducted field surveys and found no adverse conditions. Investigations are continuing with care. I extend my condolences to all affected provinces, especially Malatya, and to our citizens. May our Lord protect our country and nation from all disasters.”

Kahramanmaraş Governor Mükerrem Ünlüer, in a social media post, confirmed that the 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Battalgazi district of Malatya was also felt in Kahramanmaraş and stated that no adverse situation had been detected. Ünlüer wrote: “There is currently no adverse situation. I extend my condolences to our citizens affected by the earthquake. May God protect our country and nation from all disasters.”

From Elazığ Governorship, it was stated: “Following the earthquake felt in our province, AFAD and the 112 emergency lines have received no damage reports. All our units are closely monitoring the earthquake’s effects within our province.”

From Adıyaman Governorship, the following information was provided: “The 5.6 magnitude earthquake that occurred at 09:00 in Battalgazi district of Malatya was also felt in our province. Initial assessments have revealed no adverse conditions across our province. Relevant institutions, led by AFAD, are continuing field operations.”

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi, in a social media post, recalled that a 5.6 magnitude earthquake occurred at 09:00 in Battalgazi district of Malatya and was also felt in Adıyaman, Elazığ, Tunceli and Şanlıurfa. He added: “All teams of AFAD and related institutions have immediately commenced field surveys. There is currently no adverse situation. Our teams are continuing their work. I extend my condolences to our citizens affected by the earthquake. May God protect our country and nation from disasters.”

Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, in a social media statement, noted: “Our condolences to Malatya and all provinces that felt the earthquake and to our fellow citizens. Since we received news of the earthquake, we have been in contact with all our provinces. To date, no adverse reports have been received, but our teams continue field operations. Damage assessment teams in affected provinces are on alert and all reports will be carefully evaluated. Once again, our condolences to our citizens. May God protect our country from all disasters.”

Sanitation Minister Kemal Memişoğlu, in a social media post, said: “I extend my condolences to all our citizens affected by the 5.6 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Battalgazi district of Malatya and was also felt in our provinces of Adıyaman, Elazığ, Tunceli and Şanlıurfa. Our field teams are continuing inspections in the region with diligence. To date, no adverse situation has been reported to our ministry. We are closely monitoring the situation. May our Lord protect our country and nation from all disasters.”

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, in a social media post, provided information on the matter. Uraloğlu extended his condolences to citizens affected by the 5.6 magnitude earthquake centered in Battalgazi district of Malatya, stating: “Initial assessments indicate no adverse conditions in our road networks or communication infrastructure. Inspection and monitoring operations on all routes are being carried out meticulously in coordination with relevant institutions. May our Lord protect our country and nation from all disasters.”

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, in her statement, said: “I extend my condolences to all our citizens affected by the 5.6 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Battalgazi district of Malatya and was felt in neighboring provinces. Our psychosocial support teams have completed their preparations. May our Lord protect our country from all disasters.”

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, in a social media post, said: “I extend my condolences to all our citizens affected by the earthquake that occurred in Malatya Battalgazi and was felt in neighboring provinces. Since the earthquake was felt, all our institutions, led by AFAD, have been conducting field surveys and situation assessments with diligence. May our Lord protect our nation from all disasters.”

Director of Presidential Communications Burhanettin Duran, in a social media statement, said: “I extend my condolences to all our citizens affected by the 5.6 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Battalgazi district of Malatya and was felt in neighboring provinces. All our institutions and units are diligently conducting field surveys and situation assessments within their respective responsibilities and mandates. Fortunately, there is currently no adverse situation. We strongly urge our citizens to follow official announcements and verified information and to disregard unverified posts. May our Lord protect our nation from all disasters and calamities.”

Speaker of the Grand National Assembly Numan Kurtulmuş, in a social media message, stated: “I extend my condolences to all our citizens affected by the earthquake centered in Battalgazi district of Malatya and felt in neighboring provinces. May our Lord protect our country from all disasters.”