A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul, Turkey, on April 23, 2025, causing panic among residents and resulting in at least 151 injuries. The quake, which occurred at 12:49 PM local time, was felt strongly across the city and surrounding regions, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly.
Key Takeaways
- Magnitude: 6.2
- Location: Epicenter in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul.
- Injuries: At least 151 reported, primarily from panic-induced jumps from buildings.
- Aftershocks: Over 50 aftershocks recorded, with the strongest at 5.9 magnitude.
- Public Response: Many residents evacuated buildings and spent the night outdoors due to fears of aftershocks.
Earthquake Details
The earthquake struck at a depth of approximately 6.92 kilometers, with its epicenter located off the coast of Silivri municipality. The tremors were felt not only in Istanbul but also in neighboring provinces, including Tekirdag, Yalova, and Bursa, as well as as far away as Izmir, about 550 kilometers south.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as people rushed out of buildings into the streets and parks. Many residents reported difficulty in making phone calls due to network congestion, heightening the sense of panic.
Emergency Response
The Istanbul governorate confirmed that no buildings had collapsed, although an abandoned structure in the Fatih district did partially collapse without causing injuries. Emergency teams were deployed across the city, and citizens were urged to avoid damaged buildings and to use SMS for communication to alleviate network strain.
Public Reaction
Residents expressed their fears and experiences during the quake. Ali Beraa, a university student, recounted how he and his friend immediately fled their apartment when the shaking began. Others, like Ahmad Hashem, worried for their families in high-rise buildings, highlighting the ongoing anxiety surrounding Istanbul’s earthquake risk.
Historical Context
Turkey is no stranger to earthquakes, with Istanbul sitting on the North Anatolian fault line. The memory of the devastating 1999 earthquake, which claimed thousands of lives, looms large in the minds of residents. Additionally, the country is still recovering from a series of catastrophic earthquakes in early 2023 that resulted in over 55,000 fatalities.
Looking Ahead
In the aftermath of the quake, Istanbul’s Education Minister announced that schools would be closed for two days to ensure safety. The government is under pressure to address building safety standards, especially in light of the recent tremors and the ongoing threat of larger earthquakes.
As the city begins to recover from this latest seismic event, residents remain vigilant, aware that the risk of future earthquakes is ever-present. Many are now considering emergency preparedness measures, including keeping essential items ready in case of another quake.
The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of Istanbul’s vulnerability and the need for continued focus on disaster preparedness and building safety in one of the world’s most populous cities.
Sources
- Turkey: Istanbul hit by 6.2 magnitude earthquake, Middle East Eye.
- Earthquake of magnitude 6.02 strikes Turkey, GFZ says, Reuters.
- Powerful earthquake shakes Istanbul, injures dozens – DW – 04/23/2025, DW.
- Istanbul earthquake live: More than 150 injured as buildings shaken in Turkey’s largest city, BBC.
- Map: 6.2-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Turkey, The New York Times.
