2 earthquakes hit western Turkey, cause panic in the streets

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey says two earthquakes, both with preliminary magnitudes of 4.9, have shaken the western Turkish province of Manisa. Media reports say the second quake sent residents rushing out into the streets in panic.

The government crisis management center said Friday the first earthquake was centered in the town of Selendi and hit at 4:16 p.m. The second quake came about an hour later and was centered in the town of Sehzadeler.

There were no immediate reports of any damage. The Dogan news agency said the second quake, which was shallow, was felt in neighboring provinces and prompted people to run out of buildings.

Earthquakes are frequent in Turkey, which lies on active fault lines. Two devastating earthquakes hit northwestern Turkey in 1999, killing some 18,000 people.