An earthquake registering 6.7 magnitude on the richter scale has occurred in the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Turkey and Greece in the Dodecanese region in the early hours of this morning, July 21.
It was a shallow quake just 6.2 miles below the seabed – off the south-western coastal city of Marmaris in Mugla province. The epicentre was just 10km south of Bodrum and 16km east-north-east of the Greek island of Kos both popular holiday destinations with British tourists.
Latest reports indicate two people dead, on the Greek Island of Kos with at least two hundred injured on Kos and around the Turkish Towns of Bodrum and Marmaris.
A large number of aftershocks have been recorded following the initial earthquake which hit around 1.30am local time (GMT 22.30pm) and further aftershocks are anticipated over the next few days.
Kos Airport was closed for a period this morning, but has now re-opened and is operating with some delays. Holidaymakers due to travel imminently to Turkish and Greek holiday resorts should contact their travel company for latest updates.
ABTA are supporting customers and staff in all holiday resorts in the region and at the moment have not reported any casualties or injuries affecting UK holidaymakers.
Tour operators are working alongside the local authorities to assess the damage, and will make arrangements to move customers should structural damage be found to their accommodation.
Holidaymakers in the areas affected are advised to follow the advice of the Foreign Office, local authorities and their travel provider.
ABTA continues to monitor the situation.
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