As Turkey's most populous city grapples with the aftermath, reports suggest it was a significant tremor felt across the region.
**Istanbul Shaken by 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake: Panic Ensues**
**Istanbul Shaken by 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake: Panic Ensues**
A powerful earthquake near Istanbul has sent residents fleeing from their homes.
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake rattled Istanbul on Wednesday, leaving the city’s residents shaken and prompting many to evacuate their homes. The quake struck at approximately 12:49 PM local time (09:49 GMT), with a depth of 6.92 km (4.3 miles) recorded by Turkey's emergency services. Situated in the Marmara Sea near Silivri, about 80 km (50 miles) west of Istanbul, the quake's epicenter has raised concerns among the city's population of 16 million.
Initial reports have indicated no immediate casualties; however, the extent of the damage remains undetermined. Eyewitnesses described one of the strongest seismic events they have experienced in years, with furniture, including lamps, reportedly tumbling off shelves as residents scurried for safety.
This incident follows a tragic sequence of natural disasters in early 2023 when southern Turkey suffered two catastrophic earthquakes resulting in over 55,000 fatalities. Local authorities are urging people to remain vigilant, as Turkish officials confirmed the occurrence of the main quake and two smaller aftershocks. Updates on the situation continue to emerge, with more detailed assessments expected in the coming hours. For live updates, users are encouraged to refresh their news sources and follow alerts on social media.
