An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck the Marmara Sea near the western outskirts of Istanbul on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through Turkey’s largest city. The quake, which hit at 12:49 PM local time (0949 GMT), prompted widespread panic as residents rushed onto the streets, seeking safety and information.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the earthquake’s epicenter was located in Silivri, in the Marmara Sea, close to Istanbul. The tremor was felt across the city and in surrounding provinces, triggering aftershocks ranging from 4.4 to 4.9 magnitude, according to Turkey’s AFAD disaster management agency.
As buildings shook, people in the busy metropolis of 16 million were seen hurrying out of their homes and offices. An AFP correspondent reported witnessing crowds of people anxiously checking their mobile phones for updates. “I just felt the earthquake, I’ve got to get out,” said a decorator who rushed out of a fourth-floor apartment near the city’s Galata Tower.
Despite the strong tremors, there were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage. Local authorities and the regional governor’s office confirmed that no buildings had collapsed. “Until now, we have no information about any buildings collapsing,” the governor’s office stated, urging residents to avoid potentially damaged structures.
The impact of the earthquake was so strong that tremors were also felt as far away as Sofia, Bulgaria, indicating the scale of the event.
As of now, authorities have reported no serious injuries or fatalities, and city officials have reassured the public that efforts are underway to assess any damage. The event has sparked widespread concern as Istanbul sits near active seismic zones, with the risk of future tremors still lingering.
