A 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit Istanbul, alarming residents and prompting safety measures. Aftershocks were felt, but officials report no major damage or injuries as they assess the situation.
Istanbul Shaken by Strong 6.2-Magnitude Earthquake
Istanbul Shaken by Strong 6.2-Magnitude Earthquake
A significant earthquake struck near Istanbul, causing residents to evacuate buildings and prompting safety checks, although no immediate damage or casualties have been reported.
A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake has rocked Istanbul, leading to widespread panic among residents as they rushed to evacuate their homes. Early reports from officials indicate that there have been no immediate casualties or damage, but precautionary checks on buildings are underway.
The earthquake struck at 12:49 p.m. local time (09:49 GMT), originating from a depth of 6.92 kilometers (4.3 miles) off the coast of the Sea of Marmara, specifically in the Silivri area located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Istanbul. Alongside the primary quake, Turkish authorities have confirmed the occurrence of several smaller tremors and aftershocks.
Residents experiencing the quake expressed that it was one of the strongest they've felt in years, with many recounting stories of furniture tipping over and light fixtures crashing. Selva Demiralp, an economics professor at Koç University, shared her experience of being with her family on a high floor during the tremor, calling it "quite scary," yet finding solace in their togetherness despite the circumstances.
While initial assessments show no significant damage, unease remains among the populace, as many worry that this quake could be a precursor to a more severe event. The recent memory of the devastating earthquakes that struck Southern Turkey earlier in 2023, claiming over 55,000 lives, contributes to the anxiety felt by residents.
Istanbul, which is home to 16 million people, nearly one-fifth of Turkey's total population, is located dangerously close to the North Anatolian Fault Line, raising concerns about future seismic activity. Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and urge residents to maintain caution.
For those affected or who have felt the tremors, officials encourage individuals to report their experiences as safety evaluations proceed.
