[chris]

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck northwestern Turkey early Wednesday, November 23, damaging buildings in Duzce province. The quake hit at 4:08 am and was also felt in Istanbul and Ankara, according to Turkish media.

Dozens of aftershocks were reported, including one with a magnitude of 4.3. Local media reported that the quake demolished exterior cladding and parts of the roof of a courthouse in Duzce. A two-storey shop also collapsed on a narrow street.

Power was cut in the region as a safety measure. Many residents rushed into the streets and spent the rest of the night outside. In Golkaya, people gathered in a main square, some wrapped in blankets distributed by the emergency management agency.

Schools in the region and some factories announced shutdowns following the earthquake.