An earthquake hit eastern Turkey with a moment magnitude of 6.4 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent) on 1 May 2003 at 03:27 local time.

At least 177 people were killed and 3,305 buildings collapsed or suffered heavy damage in the affected region.

[9] Numerous seismically induced ground deformations, displacements and ruptures were observed in the epicentral area.

[10] A total of 177 people were killed;[1] 84 of the fatalities occurred when a dormitory block collapsed in a boarding school.

[8] The majority of destroyed or seriously damaged buildings were constructed using unreinforced concrete, which are prone to collapsing in strong tremors.