### Strong Earthquake Hits Istanbul, No Significant Damage Reported

In an alarming event on Wednesday morning, Istanbul residents experienced a powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale. The tremors led many to evacuate buildings, taking to the streets in fear as emergency services assessed potential damage.

According to Turkish emergency officials, the quake's epicenter was located about 25 miles southwest of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, at a depth of approximately six miles. The seismic activity was felt across a vast region, extending from Bursa, located approximately 40 miles away, to Izmir, nearly 300 miles from the epicenter.

Turkey, positioned along significant fault lines, is no stranger to earthquakes, and the memory of the catastrophic 2023 tremor, which resulted in over 50,000 fatalities, remains vivid in the collective consciousness of its citizens. As authorities conduct thorough evaluations, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or extensive damage following this latest quake.

Residents and officials alike remain on alert, cognizant of the ever-present dangers posed by seismic activity in the region.

Şafak Timur reports from Istanbul and provides ongoing coverage as the situation develops.