A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul and other areas on Wednesday (April 23), according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of Turkey. So far, there have been no reports of injuries. This is one of the strongest earthquakes Istanbul has experienced in recent years.
Istanbul is a metropolis with a population of 16 million. The earthquake occurred at 12:49 local time.
According to data from the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake had a depth of 10 kilometers (approximately 6 miles) and the epicenter was located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Istanbul in the Marmara Sea. When the earthquake struck, people panicked and rushed out of their homes and buildings. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority urged people to stay away from buildings.
Several neighboring provinces and the city of Izmir, about 550 kilometers (340 miles) south of Istanbul, also felt the earthquake. In the aftermath of the 6.2 magnitude earthquake, several aftershocks occurred, with one registering at 5.3 magnitude.
Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu stated that a preliminary inspection did not reveal any damage or adverse conditions on highways, airports, trains, or subways.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan posted on the social media platform X that he is monitoring the situation. The President’s office issued recommendations on what people should do in case of another earthquake.
The earthquake occurred on a public holiday in the region, so many children were not at school. The earthquake forced Istanbul authorities to cancel various activities.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that they have not received reports of buildings collapsing, but he told HaberTurk TV that there were reports of buildings being damaged.
In February 2023, Turkey experienced one of the deadliest and most destructive earthquakes in modern history. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake in southern Turkey and northern Syria resulted in over 55,000 deaths and 107,000 injuries.
(This article references reports from the Associated Press and Reuters)