Strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake shakes Istanbul, injures over 150 amid panic

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Istanbul at 12:49 p.m. local time (09:49 GMT), sending shockwaves across the city and sparking widespread panic.

The epicentre of the quake was located in Silivri, about 80km (50 miles) west of Istanbul, at a shallow depth of 6.92km (4.3 miles), according to Turkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). Authorities reported at least seven earthquakes in the region throughout the day, including a 5.9-magnitude aftershock, the strongest recorded following the main tremor.

Istanbul’s Governor Davut Gul confirmed that at least 151 people were injured, most as a result of panic. Many were hurt while trying to flee buildings, with some sustaining injuries from jumping out of windows. Fortunately, officials have stated that none of the injuries are life-threatening.

The earthquake led to scenes of confusion and fear in the bustling city. In popular areas like Nisantasi, residents fled into open spaces such as Macka Park, afraid to return to their homes due to ongoing aftershocks. One eyewitness described the moment as feeling “like a baby being rocked in a cradle” as shops swayed side to side.

In response to the incident, schools in Istanbul and surrounding provinces will remain closed on Thursday and Friday, according to Education Minister Yasuf Tekin. He noted that while there were no major structural damages reported in educational institutions, the closure is a precautionary measure.

From New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his solidarity with Turkiye, offering support to the government and its people during this challenging time.

The quake has reignited concerns about the North Anatolian Fault Line, which runs across northern Turkiye and is known for producing catastrophic seismic activity. The fault has been the source of some of the most devastating earthquakes in Turkiye’s history, including the deadly 1999 Izmit quake and the 1939 Erzincan disaster.

While the live coverage of the earthquake has concluded, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to stay alert and follow safety protocols.