In brief
A powerful earthquake struck Istanbul today, registering a magnitude of 6.2, shaking buildings across Turkey's largest city and spurring residents to evacuate apartment complexes as tremors rattled their homes.
In the early afternoon, local time at 12:49 (09:49 GMT), the largest quake was recorded, originating from a depth of 6.92 kilometers in the Silivri region near the coast of the Sea of Marmara, approximately 80 kilometers west of Istanbul. Officials reported two smaller aftershocks in conjunction with the primary tremor, reflecting ongoing seismic activity in the area. Residents recounted their frightening experiences, noting that items such as lamps toppled, causing alarm. Selva Demiralp, an economics professor at Koç University, shared her experience during the quake, expressing her relief for being with family despite the harrowing situation. With past memories of devastation from 2023's seismic events, which led to over 55,000 fatalities in Southern Turkey, residents are understandably anxious. Authorities have advised caution as officials conduct inspections of buildings and are urging the public to avoid potential danger zones until assessments are complete. As the most populated city in Turkey, housing around 16 million people, Istanbul's proximity to the North Anatolian Fault Line has always made it vulnerable to earthquakes, a reality that weighs heavily on the minds of its citizens. Additional updates and coverage will follow as the situation evolves. Residents are encouraged to report their experiences if it is safe to do so.
