Istanbul, Turkey – A series of earthquakes, including a powerful 6.2-magnitude tremor, have rattled Istanbul, causing buildings in Turkey’s largest city to shake and prompting residents to evacuate their homes. Although there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, city officials are urging caution and advising people to steer clear of potentially compromised structures. The largest earthquake hit at 12:49 p.m. local time with a depth of 6.92 km (4.3 miles), according to Turkey’s emergency services. The epicenter of the 6.2-magnitude quake was situated along the coast of the Sea of Marmara, specifically in the Silivri area, about 80 km (50 miles) west of Istanbul.
In addition to the major earthquake, two smaller tremors were reported, with aftershocks also being felt in the region. Residents of Istanbul described the larger earthquake as one of the most powerful they have experienced in years, with reports of furniture and lamps falling to the floor in homes. Selva Demiralp, an economics professor at Koç University, shared her experience of being in a high-rise building with her family at the time of the earthquake, describing it as “quite scary.” Despite being safe and not seeing any visible damage to buildings, there is a level of nervousness among residents about the potential for a larger, more destructive quake to follow.
Back in 2023, Southern Turkey was devastated by two major earthquakes that resulted in the tragic loss of over 55,000 lives. With Istanbul being the most populous city in Turkey, home to 16 million people, concerns about seismic activity are always at the forefront. The city is located just 20 km north of the North Anatolian Fault Line, making it particularly vulnerable to earthquakes.
The recent earthquakes serve as a stark reminder of the constant threat of seismic activity in Istanbul, a city teeming with millions of residents. While the immediate impact of the tremors has not been severe, the ongoing vigilance of city officials and residents alike is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of all those living in this bustling metropolis. With the memory of past tragedies still fresh in their minds, Istanbul’s residents remain on edge, cautious of any signs of potential danger looming on the horizon.