6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Istanbul; No Major Damage Reported
Istanbul, Türkiye – A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale shook Istanbul on Wednesday, sending residents fleeing into the streets as buildings swayed across the city of 16 million. The tremor, one of the strongest to hit the region in recent years, struck near Silivri, approximately 80 kilometers west of Istanbul, according to Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
Magnitude: AFAD reported a magnitude of 6.2, while the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) pegged it at 6.02.
- Epicenter: Silivri, a district along the Marmara Sea, at a depth of 6.92 km (AFAD) or 10 km (GFZ).
- Time: 12:49 pm local time (2:49 pm PKT), during a public holiday in Türkiye.
Public Response:
- Evacuations: Panicked residents evacuated homes, offices, and public buildings as the quake rattled both European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus strait.
- Injuries: At least one person was injured after jumping from a balcony in fear, broadcaster TGRT reported.
Authorities’ Warnings:
AFAD urged citizens to avoid entering damaged structures and stay alert for potential aftershocks. Istanbul’s governor confirmed no immediate reports of significant structural damage or casualties but emphasized ongoing inspections.
Seismic Context:
Istanbul, situated near the North Anatolian Fault, faces high seismic risks. Wednesday’s quake revived memories of the catastrophic 1999 İzmit earthquake (7.6 magnitude), which claimed over 17,000 lives.
Why It Matters:
While Türkiye has strengthened building codes since 1999, experts warn that a major quake near Istanbul could have devastating consequences due to its dense population and aging infrastructure.
