A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck Istanbul on 23 April. The shaking, which originated in the Sea of Marmara, occurred at 12:49 p.m. local time, about 40 kilometres southwest of the city. The quake lasted 13 seconds but caused significant disruption, injuring at least 359 people in Istanbul and neighbouring provinces, mostly due to panic and people jumping from buildings.
Following the initial shock, Istanbul experienced more than 180 aftershocks, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 5.9. These aftershocks have continued to shake the region, and authorities have warned that further seismic events of similar magnitude are possible in the coming days. AFAD, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, issued an urgent statement advising the public to remain vigilant as aftershocks could continue for some time.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. While the earthquake itself was significant, the risk of further, potentially larger aftershocks remains a serious concern. We advise citizens to remain outside damaged buildings and to avoid high-risk areas until further inspection,” AFAD said in its official statement.
The earthquake occurred along the historically active North Anatolian fault system and was characterised as a right-lateral strike-slip faulting event. AFAD reported that the affected segment of the fault was about 15 km long and 9.5 km wide, with a displacement of about 30 cm.
The earthquake did not cause widespread collapse of buildings, but several structures sustained visible damage, including a collapsed three-storey building in the Fatih district. Partial damage was also reported in districts such as Silivri and Büyükçekmece. Emergency teams were on the ground to assess the extent of the structural damage and provide assistance to those affected.
AFAD has received more than 10,000 calls to its emergency line, with nearly 300 related to building safety concerns. Authorities have urged caution, recommending residents avoid entering buildings suspected of being damaged until official safety checks are conducted. Additionally, sports halls and mosques have been opened to provide temporary shelter for displaced residents.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely and have reinforced their preparedness plans in anticipation of potential further aftershocks. Schools in Istanbul have been closed for 24 and 25 April as a precautionary measure.
This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Istanbul, with a population of over 15 million, is located in one of the most active seismic zones in the world. The recent tremor has prompted renewed discussions on improving earthquake preparedness and reinforcing urban infrastructure to withstand future seismic risks.
As the aftershocks continue to unsettle the city, local authorities urge calm and remind citizens to stay alert and follow safety instructions.
