- strong aftershocks are being felt in all effected area
- More than 150 injured reported so far
Istanbul (Agencies): A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale rattled Istanbul and surrounding provinces on Tuesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through Turkey’s most populous city and sparking panic among residents. The quake struck at 12:49 PM local time (09:49 GMT), with its epicenter located in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul, near the Silivri district, at a depth of 10 kilometers.
According to Turkey’s disaster management authority (AFAD), while the tremors were felt as far as Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa, initial reports confirmed no major casualties or structural collapses. In Istanbul, a city of over 16 million people, residents rushed out of homes and office buildings in fear as tremors shook high-rises and cracked walls.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that there were no widespread building collapses and that key infrastructure, including transport and communications networks, remained operational. However, minor damages were reported in several districts, including the collapse of an already-abandoned building in Fatih and visible cracks in other older structures.
Experts have long warned that Istanbul sits atop a highly active seismic zone. Prominent seismologist Dr. Naci Görür stated that while Tuesday’s quake did not cause large-scale destruction, it has increased tectonic pressure in the region — raising concerns over the potential for a much larger event in the near future. “This quake has once again exposed Istanbul’s seismic vulnerability and the urgent need for better preparedness,” Görür said.
As a precaution, authorities have advised residents to stay away from visibly damaged or unstable buildings and to adhere to emergency safety protocols. No tsunami warning was issued.
The UK Foreign Office has not issued a specific travel advisory in the wake of the quake, but continues to highlight Turkey’s susceptibility to seismic activity as part of its general guidance.
The tremor serves as a fresh reminder of the city’s precarious position on the North Anatolian Fault, which has historically been responsible for some of Turkey’s deadliest earthquakes. Urban resilience and seismic safety remain critical priorities for Istanbul’s future.