A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck Istanbul and nearby areas on Wednesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through Turkey’s largest city and reigniting concerns over seismic safety.
The quake’s epicenter was located in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul, near the Silivri region. It occurred at 12:49 PM local time and was shallow, with a depth of around 10 kilometers, according to data from both Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
While there were no immediate reports of significant damage or widespread injuries, panic gripped the densely populated city of over 16 million residents. People rushed out of buildings, many gathering in parks and open spaces, fearing aftershocks. One individual was reported injured after jumping from a balcony in a state of panic.
Authorities Warn Local Residents to Stay Away From Buildings
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that no structural collapses had been confirmed, though inspections were ongoing. Authorities warned residents to stay away from buildings showing visible cracks or signs of stress. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu added that transportation systems, including airports and highways, were fully operational, with no adverse conditions reported.
Eyewitness accounts described lamps falling and furniture moving in high-rise apartments. Residents in Istanbul, which lies atop a major fault line, expressed both fear and relief that the quake did not escalate further. “We felt the entire building sway. It was frightening, especially since we live on the upper floor,” said a local resident near the Galata Tower.
Experts pointed out that Istanbul’s position near the North Anatolian Fault makes it especially vulnerable to seismic activity. The city has previously experienced deadly quakes, including a 1999 disaster that killed more than 17,000 people. Memories of the 2023 twin earthquakes in southern Turkey one of which registered 7.8 in magnitude and killed over 55,000 people remain fresh in the minds of many.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Takes the Situation to Social Media
The tremor, which occurred during a public holiday, was followed by smaller aftershocks measuring between 4.4 and 4.9. Authorities urged calm while emergency services carried out field assessments and monitored aftershock patterns.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took to social media to say he was closely following the situation, while government agencies circulated advisories on earthquake safety and encouraged citizens to be prepared for further seismic activity.
As Turkey continues its efforts to modernise its building codes and infrastructure, Wednesday’s quake stands as another stark reminder of the region’s geological risks and the importance of ongoing urban resilience initiatives.
