The first tremor, measuring 6.2 on the Richter Scale, struck 29km north of Rhodes around 12.30am local time and was felt across Greece, Turkey and the rest of the region. A second quake hit Marmaris in Turkey at 2.13am, registering 5.8.

At least 69 people were injured after attempting to jump from heights due to panic caused by the tremors, which were strongly felt on the Greek island of Rhodes — the largest of the Dodecanese islands near the Turkish border. No injuries were reported in Rhodes; however, tourists visiting the island said they woke up to violent shaking.