The 7.2 Mw earthquake that occurred in northwestern Turkey had its epicenter near the town of Düzce, approximately 200 km east of Istanbul. The seismic event struck in the early morning hours, catching many residents off guard as they slept. The intense shaking and subsequent aftershocks caused widespread structural damage to buildings, infrastructure, and roads, leading to chaos and panic among the local population. Many inhabitants were trapped in collapsed structures, necessitating urgent rescue operations that involved local authorities and national aid teams. Emergency shelters were established to accommodate the thousands who were displaced from their homes.

Düzce, which had already been recovering from the devastating Izmit earthquake that occurred earlier in the same year, faced further challenges in the aftermath of this disaster. The community, already shaken both physically and emotionally, struggled to cope with yet another calamity. Local hospitals were overwhelmed with casualties, and an influx of medical personnel, aid organizations, and volunteers flooded into the region to assist in the relief efforts.

The Turkish government declared a state of emergency to better coordinate the response and allocate essential resources. International aid also came in the form of food, tents, and medical supplies that significantly aided the recovery process. The Düzce earthquake highlighted the need for improved building codes and disaster preparedness in the region, as many structures were not designed to withstand such severe earthquakes. In the long term, this disaster prompted a reevaluation of Turkey's approach to earthquake resilience and emergency management.