Tourist in Rhodes describes ‘whole hotel shaking' as earthquake struck
The earthquake which hit the Turkish resort town of Marmaris at 2.17am has left one person dead and at least 69 injured.
It was felt in neighbouring regions, including on the Greek island of Rhodes, waking many from their sleep.
Matthew McCormick, a father of two from Belfast, was on holiday with his family in Rhodes when he was woken up by a loud rumbling noise.
'We got to bed and had just fallen over to sleep and the next thing there was just this loud, rumbling noise,' Mr McCormick, 35, told the PA news agency.
'And then the next minute, the whole hotel was just shaking.
'It was very surreal, it woke me and my wife up and my first concern was for the four-year-old beside us.
'She woke up and she started to cry.
'She was terrified – I think for us at that point, it was just trying to make sure she was OK.
'I tried to have a look at the roof, and it didn't look like there were any cracks or anything appearing in the roof.
'I figured that we were safe enough.'
Mr McCormick, who is heading home to Belfast on Tuesday, said he was initially concerned about a bombing attack when he first woke up but soon discovered it was a natural disaster.
'My gut feeling was either there's been bombs landing somewhere or it's an earthquake,' he said.
'Given some of the current global politics there was a slight fear that something had kicked off here overnight.'
Despite the shaking and disturbance overnight Mr McCormick reported no signs of visible damage and calm seas on Tuesday afternoon.
Turkish interior minister Ali Yerlikaya said on X that a 14-year-old girl was taken to hospital and died there after what he said was an anxiety attack.
It was not known if she had any underlying conditions.
At least 69 other people were treated for injuries after jumping from windows or balconies in panic, he said, but there were no reports of damage to buildings.
Salem Swan is currently on holiday in Bodrum, western Turkey (Salem Swan/PA)
Salem Swan, a 25-year-old carer from Sunderland who is on holiday in Bodrum in western Turkey, also felt her hotel shaking.
'The earthquake wasn't that strong where we are in Bodrum, we are about 164km from Marmaris where the earthquake hit,' she told PA.
'There was some shaking around 2.15am for us but it only lasted for maybe 30 seconds to a minute here so it was over quite quick.
'None of the buildings here were affected as far as I know but we have had a leak in our accommodation bathroom which we are under the impression the earthquake potentially had caused.'
Turkey sits on top of major fault lines and earthquakes are frequent.
In 2023, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake killed more than 53,000 people in Turkey and destroyed or damaged hundreds of thousands of buildings in 11 southern and southeastern provinces.
Another 6,000 people were killed in the northern parts of neighbouring Syria.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is not advising against travel to either western Turkey or the Greek islands at present.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Natural yogurt tastes creamier when £1 ingredient is added and it's not honey
Yogurt is a great breakfast meal that can help keep you fuller for longer while also being low in fat and carbs - however if you find it can taste tangy, there are some easy ways to sweeten it up Greek yogurt is a great way to fill yourself up and curb that mid-morning hunger - and there's an easy way to make it taste even better. It's packed with nutrients including calcium, vitamins B6 and B12, potassium and probiotics, which promote good gut health, but it can taste quite tangy. It's made by straining traditional yogurt to remove the whey, resulting in a thicker and creamier texture but it can have quite a tangy taste which can put people off serving it up. Many people enjoy with a serving of fruit or granola, but if you are wanting to save time and money, this £1 addition will make it taste great. Honey is a popular option to sweeten the taste, but adding cinnamon can also have the same result. Food experts at Cultures For Health said experimenting with different flavours can help level up your breakfast routine. "You can also experiment with natural flavorings like vanilla extract, almond extract, or cinnamon to add depth and variety to your Greek yogurt," they explained. "Start with a small amount and gradually add more to adjust to your taste preferences. You can also try adding a touch of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist." Not only does it make it taste good, it is good for those who are watching their sugar and carb intake as Greek yogurt is higher in protein compared to unstrained or regular yogurt. You can pick up a jar of ground cinnamon powder for just £1 from Asda. Another way to add some flavour to your yogurt is by adding a spoonful of nut butter such as peanut butter or almond butter. It will add richness and a hint of a nutty taste, and not only will it taste good, it also boosts the nutritional value. "The combination of Greek yogurt's protein and probiotics with the healthy fats and nutrients from the nut butter makes for a satisfying and nourishing snack or breakfast option," the experts add. You can also sprinkle nuts such as almonds, peanuts and walnuts on top to add a nutty flavour and crunch. A tip is to toast the nuts beforehand for some extra flavour and then either sprinkle them on top or mix them in. Alternatively, you can include natural sweeteners such as honey, pure fresh maple syrup or stevia which can provide a delicious sweetness to your Greek yogurt. Or if you prefer something a little more savoury, Mary Berry has shared one of her secret tricks for perfecting poached eggs. In her recipe for Eggs Benedict, Mary let slip that a splash of vinegar in the pan ensures the egg whites set rapidly and maintain their buoyant form, reports the Express. She said: "The secret to a poached egg is boiling water with a dash of vinegar in it." Simply start by bringing a pot of water to the boil on the hob. Lower the heat until you've got a simmer going then introduce a modest splash of vinegar to the mix. Cracking the egg into a ramekin or cup first makes it simpler to transfer it into the water. Stir the simmering water to create motion before adding the egg.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
8 countries offering Brits cash, homes and baby bonuses to move there
The world is becoming more connected, and countries are offering incentives to new residents - from cash to free housing and even baby bonuses. Here are the best deals. Longing to swap your nine-to-five for the idyllic life sipping ouzo on a Greek isle, inhaling Switzerland's Alpine air, or working from home in a Spanish village soaked in sunshine? It may seem like a pipe dream, but some countries are so eager for new blood they're offering cash to tempt you to relocate. In this hyper-connected digital age, a select few destinations are dangling tantalising financial carrots to entice global citizens to their shores. Whether you're a globe-trotting freelancer, a clan contemplating a big move, or a scholar plotting out your days ahead, there's no better opportunity to take that leap. Here's a look at eight enticing nations ready to pay you to become a part of their future, , reports the Express. Settle in Ireland and bag yourself up to €84,000 For what aim? Simply to "increase the population", "diversify the islands' economies", and "build sustainable futures". Remote workers and digital nomads couldn't ask for a more appealing new base. A Swiss village dishing out over £26,000 per family But there's a catch: you're required to purchase property valued no less than 200,000 Swiss Francs and pledge to stay a decade. It's a stellar deal in a nation renowned for an unbeatable standard of living. Spain's calling - and they're willing to foot the bill As rural communities witness shrinking numbers, local authorities are desperate to draw in overseas talent to breathe new life into their regions. With its sun-kissed beaches, esteemed wines, and dynamic cultural scene, who could resist such an invite? Greece proposes €500 monthly if you choose their serene haven Newcomers to the island can anticipate a monthly stipend of €500 (£430) for their first three years, courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Church. Mayor Efstaratios Charcalakis expressed: "We need young families large enough to make Antikythera alive and full of children's voices." Japan is offering up to ¥4.8 million to encourage people to settle in rural areas. In 2023, there was a significant drop in birth rates with only 758,631 babies born - a 5.1% decrease from 2022, and a stark contrast to the baby boom of the 1970s. The USA is actively seeking new residents and even offers financial incentives to those willing to relocate. There are numerous online platforms designed to assist potential expats in finding their ideal American town, complete with enticing incentive packages. Canadian students have the opportunity to earn big. Students could receive up to CA$20,000 (£11,580) in tuition reimbursements, depending on the length of their degree. To be eligible, you must graduate from an approved Canadian institution and either reside in or plan to move to Saskatchewan. With a plethora of countries offering cash, perks and support, perhaps it's time to consider packing your bags and starting a fresh life abroad?
North Wales Chronicle
8 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Assisted dying: UK doctor says helping patients die in Australia is ‘privilege'
Dr Emma Boulton, from Oxfordshire, spoke of the difference between her mother's 'horrible' decline over a period of weeks with respiratory failure in England and the 'very dignified' deaths she has been involved with in New South Wales. The 59-year-old, who trained and previously worked in the UK as a GP but is now based in Sydney, said her main role is assessing patients who have applied for an assisted death, but that she has been directly involved in ending the lives of 10 people. Known as intravenous practitioner administration, this involves injecting someone with an anaesthetic. In an interview with the PA news agency, she said: 'It's quick, it's painless, it's very dignified.' She added: 'When people go, there's often this palpable sense of relief, and it can be very uplifting, because you see this person who's deeply, deeply suffering in lots of ways, and they've made this really gutsy decision that they want to exit this world on their own terms, and they do so. 'And it's in a very dignified and quick and painless manner. 'It's a very moving thing to be involved with. I consider it a tremendous privilege to be involved in it and be able to assist people to determine their fate, particularly when they're going through intolerable suffering.' Dr Boulton recently took part in an event in Parliament to support campaigners from Humanists UK and My Death My Decision working towards a change in the law in England and Wales. Intravenous practitioner administration does not form part of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which is due to return to the House of Commons for debate and more votes on amendments on Friday. The Bill proposes that a terminally ill person would take an approved substance, provided by a doctor but administered only by the person themselves. The proposed legislation would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales, with fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist. Speaking about the challenges of her role in New South Wales, Dr Boulton acknowledged that it is 'not work that's for everybody'. She said: 'You have to be pretty resilient and comfortable in your own skin and be able to work with these things. 'For me, personally, particularly for the first few (deaths) that I was involved with, I felt very strange. It's like, 'what have I done?' You know, I've spent my whole life prolonging life, and now in my hand, you know, somebody has died as a result of my actions. 'So it's quite an odd thing to have to deal with, but the way that I get around it is by knowing, understanding that I am alleviating suffering, and I'm acting on the patient's express wishes, and that really helps me through.' The Westminster Bill states that no person, including any medical workers, are obliged to take part in assisted dying, meaning doctors would be free to opt out if the law was changed and a service set up. Dr Boulton said her mother, Margaret, had endured a 'horrible feeling of slow suffocation' in the lead up to her death aged 88 in February last year, and that it had been a 'very frustrating' experience for the family, especially as her mother had voiced support for assisted dying. She said: 'When she knew that she was on the way out, that she was dying, she got very angry and said, 'I would really like to be able to just stop this now and just go'. 'What I witnessed with my mother is not that different from the suffering that I see in my assisted dying work. But the good thing is that if they meet the eligibility criteria in our assessment then the patients that I see (in Australia) can access the assisted dying process, whereas people in the UK can't.' Medics remains divided on the subject of assisted dying, with some MPs who are also doctors among the Bill's supporters, but the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) both airing concerns. The RCP said it believes there are 'concerning deficiencies' with the proposed legislation while the RCPsych said it has 'serious concerns' and cannot support the current Bill. Earlier this week, around 1,000 doctors signed a letter to MPs urging them to vote against a Bill they described as 'simply not safe'. The doctors, from across the NHS, urged lawmakers to listen to those 'who would have to deliver the consequences of this deeply flawed Bill', warning it 'poses a real threat to both patients and the medical workforce'. Dr Boulton said she believes much opposition to a change in the law is born from fear. 'I think objection is based in fear and I think a proper legislative framework would actually protect people and their practitioners,' she said. Many opponents of the Westminster Bill have raised concerns about people being coerced and the vulnerable being taken advantage of, but Dr Boulton said it is not a case of 'killing off granny'. She said: 'The patients I work with are incredibly calm. They're clear, they're very determined that this is a choice that they want to have. 'So, you know, people are worried about killing off granny because they want to get her money and that she's helpless and she can't make decisions for herself, and it's not like that at all. 'The process of assessment and making sure that people are fully aware and that this is an informed choice that they're making about their own life, having that really structured assessment framework actually protects people.'
