ERBAA, Tokat — A 5.3 magnitude quake hit close to Niksar on Friday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The USGS reported a tremor in the region at 00:35 UTC (03:35 local time). The epicenter was approximately 15 km west-northwest of Niksar, at a depth of 10 km.

Did you feel it?

Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form. So far, the agency has collected 8 online responses from people saying they felt weak shaking. The USGS DYFI report indicates that several residents in and around the Samsun area experienced the quake.

Impact and estimated losses

The USGS categorized this as a Green Alert, which means there is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Structure information summary
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and dressed stone/block masonry construction.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey