Powerful 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Istanbul, Injuring 151

A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey’s Istanbul on Wednesday, injuring 151 people in panic-driven incidents, though none sustained life-threatening wounds, officials confirmed.

The epicenter was located in Istanbul’s Silivri district, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The quake hit at 12:49 p.m. local time (0949 GMT) and was strongly felt across Istanbul, a city of over 15 million people, as well as neighboring provinces, prompting residents to evacuate buildings in fear. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that the quake occurred at a depth of nearly 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) and lasted for 13 seconds. The governor’s office reported that most injuries resulted from people jumping from heights out of panic, with all injured individuals receiving hospital treatment and no life-threatening cases reported.

Following the main quake, two aftershocks measuring 4.9 in magnitude each were recorded off the coast of Buyukcekmece in the Sea of Marmara. Authorities emphasized that no casualties or structural destruction had been reported thus far. Emergency services were immediately mobilized, and field assessments were underway to ensure public safety. Citizens were urged to avoid reentering potentially damaged buildings, limit vehicle use, and keep mobile network usage to emergencies only.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the nation, extending his well wishes and assuring that the government is closely monitoring the situation. After receiving updates from key ministers and officials, Erdogan noted: “Thankfully, there appears to be no troubling situation at the moment.”