6.2-Magnitude Quake Rattles Istanbul
A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake shook Istanbul on Wednesday afternoon, sending tremors through the city of 16 million and prompting evacuations across neighborhoods. The epicenter was near Silivri, about 80 km west of the city, and hit during a public holiday. Though the quake sparked widespread panic, with many fleeing buildings and gathering in parks, authorities say there have been no reports of collapsed structures.
The quake struck at 12:49 p.m. local time and was followed by aftershocks, including one measuring 5.3. While one person was injured jumping from a balcony in fear, officials reported only minor damage. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and Istanbul’s governor urged residents to stay calm and avoid buildings that might have been weakened. President Erdoğan said he was "monitoring the situation" and offered guidance for potential follow-up quakes.
For many in Istanbul, the tremor revived memories of the devastating 1999 earthquake that killed 17,000, as well as the massive 7.8-magnitude quake in 2023 that left over 55,000 dead in southern Türkiye. Although this latest quake was less destructive, experts and residents alike remain uneasy, with fears that a larger event could still be looming.
