An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Istanbul and nearby areas on Wednesday, causing panic among residents and resulting in numerous injuries. The quake, which hit at 12:49 p.m. local time, lasted for 13 seconds and was felt across a wide region, including provinces such as Tekirdag, Yalova, Bursa, and Balikesir, as well as in Izmir, located about 550 kilometers to the south.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul, in the Sea of Marmara, at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers. Health officials reported that at least 236 individuals sought treatment for injuries, many of which were caused by falls or panic as people rushed to escape buildings. Most of these injuries occurred in Istanbul, where residents are particularly anxious due to the city’s vulnerability to earthquakes.
The tremor prompted authorities to issue warnings for residents to avoid entering potentially damaged structures. Sports halls and mosques were opened to provide shelter for those unwilling to return home. Reports indicated that 378 instances of structural damage were reported, leading to the evacuation of 12 buildings, although only one abandoned building collapsed.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as people fled their homes. Many took to parks and open spaces to avoid the risk of falling debris. Some residents even set up tents in these areas, anxious about aftershocks. Following the quake, over 100 aftershocks were recorded, with the strongest measuring 5.9 in magnitude.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the situation during a public holiday event, expressing relief that there were no major issues reported. The earthquake comes on the heels of a devastating 7.8 magnitude quake that struck Turkey in February, which killed over 53,000 people and caused widespread destruction. Although Istanbul was not directly affected by that earlier disaster, it heightened fears of a similar event occurring in the city.
In the aftermath of Wednesday’s quake, schools in Istanbul were closed for the following two days, and schoolyards were opened for public use as safe spaces. Many residents expressed their ongoing concerns about the potential for a more severe earthquake, reflecting the deep-seated anxiety that comes with living in a region prone to seismic activity.