A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Istanbul early Wednesday, sending tremors through the metropolis of more than 15 million and sparking fear among residents who fled buildings in panic. Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported that the quake struck at a shallow depth of six miles beneath the Sea of Marmara, approximately 25 miles southwest of the city.
While no casualties or significant damage were immediately reported, the quake prompted mass evacuations from homes, schools, and offices. Footage showed crowds gathering in open spaces, many clutching phones as they sought updates and frantically reached out to loved ones.
“I was in the middle of a meeting when everything started to shake. We ran out immediately,” said one Istanbul resident. “People were crying, calling family members—no one knew what was happening.”
The United States Geological Survey confirmed the shallow depth of the quake and noted that the seismic event was followed by several aftershocks, the strongest of which registered a magnitude of 5.3. Authorities warned of potential structural risks and advised residents to stay away from damaged or aging buildings until thorough inspections could be conducted.
Read also: 7.7-Magnitude earthquake rocks myanmar, triggers widespread damage across southeast Asia
AFAD continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with local emergency teams. So far, no power outages or infrastructure damage have been officially reported.
Turkey lies atop two major fault lines, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. The memory of the catastrophic earthquakes of February 2023—when a 7.8-magnitude quake and a powerful aftershock devastated 11 provinces, killing over 53,000 people in Turkey and 6,000 in neighboring Syria—remains fresh in national memory.
Officials are expected to give another update later today as assessment efforts continue.
Residents are urged to follow emergency guidelines and remain vigilant in the event of further aftershocks.
