Earthquake in Istanbul, powerful 6.2-magnitude tremor

A powerful earthquake was felt in Istanbul.
According to initial estimates, the quake had a magnitude of 6.2 and was recorded 10 kilometers off the coast of the city on the Bosphorus. Its epicenter was located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul, in the Sea of Marmara. According to AFAD, there were actually three earthquakes recorded within a few minutes in the Istanbul area: the strongest, magnitude 6.2 at 11:49 AM (Italian time, one hour behind Turkey), followed by a magnitude 4.4 quake at 11:51 and another of magnitude 4.9 at 12:02.

The main shock was followed by several aftershocks, including one of magnitude 5.3.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority has urged residents to stay away from buildings. The quake was also felt in surrounding areas.

Interior Minister: “Authorities have already deployed teams for reconnaissance”
Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya wrote on social media:
“In the Silivri area, in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 occurred. The tremor was also felt in neighboring provinces. AFAD and all our competent bodies have already deployed teams on the ground for inspections.”
He added: “May God protect our country and our people from disasters.”

Over 230 injured: “Many jumped from windows”
Panic caused by the earthquake led many people to jump out of their windows in the city on the Bosphorus. More than 230 people were injured and hospitalized.
“Medical treatment is ongoing for those who jumped from heights due to panic during the earthquake. None of the injured are in life-threatening condition,” the Istanbul prefecture reported in a statement cited by local media.

Erdogan: “We are monitoring the situation closely”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated he is closely monitoring developments in Istanbul after the quake, according to CNNTurk. The USGS reported an initial shock of magnitude 3.9, followed by the stronger 6.2 quake. Turkish media have reported difficulties with phone lines and internet connections in the megacity on the Bosphorus.

A tragic precedent
Turkey lies on two major fault lines and is frequently hit by earthquakes. A magnitude 7.8 earthquake occurred on February 6, 2023, followed by another powerful shock hours later, which destroyed or damaged hundreds of thousands of buildings in 11 southern and southeastern provinces, killing over 53,000 people. Another 6,000 people were killed in northern parts of neighboring Syria.