Strong 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Istanbul, Neighboring Regions

An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck Istanbul and surrounding areas on Wednesday, as reported by Turkey’s disaster and emergency management agency. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of significant damage in the densely populated city of 16 million residents.

According to the Istanbul governor’s office, over 150 people were hospitalized due to injuries sustained while trying to escape buildings during the quake. The earthquake, which had a depth of 10 kilometers and its epicenter located 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, was also felt in neighboring provinces and cities such as Tekirdag, Yalova, Bursa, Balikesir, and Izmir.

The earthquake occurred during a public holiday when many children were out celebrating on the streets, causing widespread panic among Istanbul’s residents. Many rushed out of their homes and buildings to seek safety in open areas. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed relief that there were no major issues following the quake and extended prayers for the safety of the country and its people.

Numerous residents shared their experiences of the earthquake, with some mentioning the fear and confusion they felt during the intense shaking. While there were reports of minor damages to buildings, there were no reports of collapsed structures. Authorities emphasized the importance of staying away from buildings for safety.

Turkey, prone to earthquakes due to its location on major fault lines, has been undertaking urban reconstruction projects to strengthen buildings at risk and prevent future damage. The recent earthquake serves as a reminder of the constant threat faced by the country and the need for ongoing preparedness measures.