6.2-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Istanbul, Injures Over 150
A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul and nearby regions on a national public holiday, marking one of the strongest tremors to hit the city of 16 million in recent memory. The quake, which originated in the Sea of Marmara, caused buildings to sway and sent residents rushing into the streets.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), with its epicenter located approximately 50 miles west of Istanbul, near the coastal town of Silivri—an area known for its seismic activity.
According to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), more than 51 aftershocks followed the initial quake. The most significant of these measured 5.3 on the Richter scale, and authorities urged residents to stay away from potentially weakened structures.
Injuries and Emergency Response
The Istanbul governor’s office confirmed that 151 people were injured, most while attempting to evacuate buildings during the tremors. Fortunately, none of the injuries were reported to be life-threatening. Rescue teams were deployed to assess potential damage, and local municipalities quickly began inspections of public infrastructure and residential areas.
AFAD advised residents to avoid reentering any visibly damaged buildings. While no major structural collapses were reported, the fear of aftershocks and structural instability caused widespread concern and traffic congestion throughout the city.
Eyewitness Accounts
Many residents and tourists described moments of panic as the earthquake struck. Sandra D’Souza, a tourist from London, said she and her husband were near the iconic Galata Tower when the tremors began.
“We were having lunch at a nearby café when the building began to shake. People looked around in confusion, then calmly moved outside. Thankfully, it was brief, but we were advised to remain cautious in case of aftershocks,” she told MailOnline.
Another local worker, startled while working in an apartment near the same area, rushed into the street, visibly shaken.
Broader Regional Impact
The quake was felt as far away as Greece, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, with AFP reporters in Sofia noting vibrations. While these regions did not report damage, the wide reach of the tremor raised regional awareness and concern.
Earthquake Risk and Historical Context
This latest event brings renewed focus on Turkey’s vulnerability to seismic activity. The country lies along two major fault lines and has a long history of destructive earthquakes.
Most notably, a 7.8-magnitude quake in February 2023 devastated parts of southern Turkey and northern Syria, killing more than 53,000 people and leveling tens of thousands of buildings. That tragedy prompted sweeping investigations into unsafe construction practices and led to national efforts to reinforce urban infrastructure.
The memory of the 1999 Izmit earthquake, which killed 17,000 people near Istanbul, also looms large. Since then, experts have repeatedly warned of the high probability of a major quake affecting Istanbul before 2030.
@dailymail A Turkish news anchor appeared visibly shaken on live television as a powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul and the surrounding regions—one of the strongest to hit the city of 16 million in recent years. Attempting to stay composed, the presenter said: ‘A very strong earthquake is happening right now. A very strong earthquake is being felt in Istanbul.’ 🎥 X/Nexta_TV #turkey #news #earthquake #weather #istanbul ♬ original sound – Daily Mail
Turkey’s Environment Minister, Murat Kurum, reiterated this concern earlier this year, emphasizing that up to 600,000 homes could be at risk in a future event of magnitude 7 or higher.
Ongoing Safety Measures
In response to growing concerns, the Turkish government and local authorities have launched urban renewal projects to demolish and replace structurally vulnerable buildings. These efforts aim to minimize the impact of future earthquakes and protect residents in the densely populated Istanbul metropolitan area.
For now, emergency teams remain on high alert, and assessments continue across the region. Authorities are encouraging citizens to follow safety guidelines, stay informed through official channels, and report any structural damage they observe.
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If you or someone you know experienced the quake, we invite you to share your story in the comments.
