6.2-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Istanbul: Over 230 Injured Amid Renewed Seismic Concerns
ISTANBUL, April 23, 2025 — A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul and surrounding regions today, causing widespread panic and injuring at least 236 individuals. The quake, centered in the Sea of Marmara approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul, occurred at 12:49 PM local time and lasted 13 seconds. Its shallow depth of 10 kilometers intensified the tremors felt across the city and neighboring provinces, including Tekirdağ, Yalova, Bursa, and Balıkesir.
Immediate Impact and Injuries
The earthquake's sudden onset led to chaos among Istanbul's 16 million residents. Many individuals sustained injuries while attempting to evacuate buildings hastily, with reports indicating that numerous people were hurt due to falls or panic-induced actions. Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu confirmed that 236 injuries occurred in Istanbul alone, while the remaining cases were reported in adjacent provinces.
In response to the quake, authorities received 378 reports of structural damage, leading to the evacuation of 12 buildings as a precautionary measure. Notably, a long-abandoned structure in Istanbul's historic Fatih district collapsed. Despite the damage, there were no immediate reports of fatalities.
Aftershocks and Ongoing Concerns
Following the initial tremor, over 100 aftershocks were recorded, with the strongest measuring 5.9 in magnitude. The continuous seismic activity prompted Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) to advise residents to remain vigilant and avoid entering potentially compromised buildings. Many citizens chose to spend the night in open areas such as parks and schoolyards, fearing further aftershocks.
Disruption of National Celebrations
The earthquake coincided with National Sovereignty and Children's Day, a public holiday in Turkey. Festivities were abruptly halted as the quake struck during midday celebrations. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the nation, expressing relief that the situation was manageable and praying for the country's safety.
Infrastructure and Emergency Response
In the aftermath, the Turkish government mobilized significant resources to assess and address the damage. Over 3,500 personnel, including 1,443 in Istanbul, along with 250 vehicles and 18 rescue dogs, were deployed to the affected areas. Education Minister Yusuf Tekin announced the closure of schools in Istanbul and Tekirdağ for the remainder of the week to ensure student safety.
Seismic Preparedness and Urban Planning
Istanbul's location near the North Anatolian Fault makes it particularly susceptible to earthquakes. The recent tremor has reignited discussions about the city's preparedness for seismic events. Prior to his arrest on corruption charges, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu had initiated a city-wide earthquake preparedness plan, identifying over 200,000 vulnerable buildings. His absence during this crisis has been noted, with many expressing concern over the city's readiness for future quakes.
Public Sentiment and Future Outlook
The earthquake has left many Istanbul residents anxious about the potential for more severe seismic events. Seismologist Naci Görür warned that the recent tremors have increased pressure along local fault lines, suggesting the possibility of a larger earthquake in the future.
As Turkey continues to grapple with the aftermath, the emphasis on robust urban planning, stringent building codes, and comprehensive disaster preparedness remains paramount to mitigate the impact of future seismic events.
Sources: News Agencies