6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Istanbul, Chaos Ensues
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck the Marmara Sea near Istanbul's western outskirts on Wednesday, April 23, leaving residents shaken and anxious. The initial quake occurred at 12:49 PM local time (09:49 GMT), and its impact was felt across Turkey's largest city, compelling people to flee buildings and rush into the streets.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the epicenter was located in Silivri, Marmara Sea, and reported that tremors were perceptible in the surrounding provinces as well. In addition to the primary quake, there were three aftershocks registered with magnitudes ranging from 4.4 to 4.9, according to Turkey's disaster management agency, AFAD.
As the earth shook, residents hurriedly exited their homes and offices, with many standing outside anxiously checking their mobile phones for updates or attempting to contact loved ones. An Agence France-Presse (AFP) correspondent witnessed crowds of worried individuals looking for information in the aftermath of the seismic event.
Despite the chaos, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities, nor indications of building collapses in the sprawling city of 16 million inhabitants. City officials and the regional governor's office have stated, "Until now we have no information about any buildings collapsing," and urged citizens to steer clear of potentially damaged structures.
The municipal authority of Istanbul reported that no serious injuries related to the earthquake have been filed thus far. Citizens were encouraged to remain vigilant and to monitor updates from local officials as the situation unfolds.
Interestingly, the tremors from the earthquake were even felt as far away as Bulgaria, with reporters in Sofia confirming the sensation of the quake. The sense of unease extends beyond Istanbul as residents across the region remain on alert following the seismic occurrences of the day.
As Turkish authorities continue to assess the situation, further updates are expected. For now, the community in Istanbul is united in cautious optimism, hoping that safety remains intact as they navigate the aftermath of this significant earthquake.
Related Sources: