UPDATE 2 - 5.5-magnitude quake strikes southwestern Turkey

UPDATES WITH 22 INJURED, HOMES DAMAGED, ENVIRONMENT MINISTER'S REMARKS

By Aykut Karadag, Muhammet Boztepe and Tugba Yardimci

ANKARA (AA) - A 5.5-magnitude earthquake rattled southwestern Turkey on Wednesday, authorities said.

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said in a statement that the quake struck Denizli province at 9:34 a.m. (0634 GMT).

Its epicenter was in the province's southern countryside in Acipayam district at a depth of 11.36 kilometers (7 miles).

Turkey’s environment and urbanization minister said 22 people were injured.

"One hundred thirty-nine buildings were heavily damaged and 132 others had minor damage," said Murat Kurum, adding seven buildings were ruined.

The province was also hit by 4.8 and 4.5-magnitude tremors early Wednesday.

The earthquake was felt throughout the Aegean region and south of the Marmara Sea.

Denizli governor Hasan Karahan previously told reporters that three people had been slightly injured while fleeing from structures in the wake of the tremors.

"According to initial reports, 10 houses -- most of them abandoned village homes -- are damaged,” Karahan said.

He noted that no loss of life has been reported.