A series of tremors near Istanbul, including a significant 6.2-magnitude earthquake, have left residents shaken and on high alert, as officials assess potential damage.
Strong Earthquake Hits Istanbul, Residents on Alert
Strong Earthquake Hits Istanbul, Residents on Alert
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes near Istanbul, prompting evacuations but no immediate casualties.
A powerful earthquake series shook Istanbul on Wednesday, with the strongest tremor recorded at a magnitude of 6.2. The tremor, which struck at 12:49 PM local time (09:49 GMT), occurred along the coast of the Sea of Marmara, near Silivri, approximately 80 km (50 miles) west of the bustling metropolis. Though initial reports do not indicate casualties, Istanbul authorities are diligently checking buildings, urging residents to stay away from areas that might have sustained damage.
According to Turkish emergency services, the earthquake's depth was calculated at 6.92 km (4.3 miles). This significant event has been accompanied by two smaller quakes and several aftershocks, causing fears throughout the city. For many residents, this tremor was one of the most powerful they've experienced in recent times, with reports of furniture and lamps falling as people rushed to evacuate their apartment buildings.
Selva Demiralp, an economics professor at Koç University, was with her family in a high-rise at the time of the quake and described the experience as “quite scary.” However, she noted a sense of comfort in being with her family, as they assessed their safety and the state of their building, which appeared undamaged. Nonetheless, apprehension lingered as residents speculated whether this tremor might be a precursor to a more severe earthquake.
This earthquake comes in the wake of the devastating quakes in southern Turkey earlier in 2023, which tragically resulted in over 55,000 deaths. Istanbul, home to approximately 16 million people, is particularly vulnerable due to its proximity—just 20 km north—to the North Anatolian Fault Line. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, many in the city are left anxious for what may come next.
If you've experienced the effects of the earthquake, please reach out for updates.
