At least 144 aftershocks, with 21 of them more powerful than magnitude 4.0, were recorded after the quake, Murat Kurum told a news conference.

"1,227 search and rescue teams are operating in the field," Kurum said.

He added that eight injured people were in intensive care, while five others are in surgery.

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said the quake occurred at 2.51 p.m. local time at a depth of 16.54 kilometers.

The agency noted that among the fatalities was a person who drowned following the quake.

Earlier, Izmir Governor Yavuz Selim Kosger said that the earthquake triggered a partial tsunami in the coastal district of Seferihisar, which left at least one person injured.

So far 70 people have been rescued from the debris, according to the governor.

Search and rescue work continues around 17 destroyed and damaged buildings in the city of some 4.37 million – Turkey’s third-largest city by population.

Reporter’s code: 50101