6.2 quake jolts Istanbul, triggers panic
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake shook Istanbul and its surrounding provinces, sending residents fleeing buildings in panic. The quake struck at 12:49 PM local time, with its epicenter in the Silivri district. People scrambled to evacuate their homes, many seeking refuge in parks, streets, and even setting up tents in public spaces. Just over ten minutes later, at 1:02 PM, a second tremor registering 4.9 in magnitude hit off the coast of Buyukcekmece in the Sea of Marmara, compounding the unease.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) confirmed that all necessary institutions and response teams were mobilized immediately. Field assessments have been initiated to determine the extent of structural damage and ensure public safety. While there were no immediate reports of fatalities, authorities confirmed 359 injuries, primarily due to panic-induced incidents such as people jumping from buildings or falling while attempting to escape. Structural damages were noted, including the collapse of an abandoned building in Istanbul’s historic Fatih district.
In response to the seismic activity, officials evacuated at least 12 buildings and received hundreds of alerts regarding damage. With fears of additional aftershocks, many residents opted to spend the night outdoors—either in cars, parks, or government-organized shelters—with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya noting that over 100,000 people had taken refuge in temporary shelters.
Transportation infrastructures remained largely unaffected, though schools in Istanbul and Tekirdağ were closed for the rest of the week as a precaution.
The region experienced more than 180 aftershocks, the strongest of which reached 5.9 in magnitude, further heightening concerns.
Seismologists have expressed apprehension that the underlying fault beneath the Sea of Marmara may unleash an even stronger quake, potentially up to magnitude 7.4.
