A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck the Marmara Sea near Istanbul, Turkey, sending shockwaves through the city and surrounding provinces. The quake, which occurred at a depth of approximately 6.92 km to 10 km, had its epicenter in Silivri, about 80 km west of Istanbul. Thousands of people evacuated buildings as a precautionary measure, with some individuals reporting injuries after jumping from balconies or experiencing panic.
The earthquake was followed by several aftershocks, including ones measuring 4.4, 4.9, and 5.3 magnitude. While there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, authorities warned people to stay away from potentially damaged buildings and avoid driving unless necessary to keep communication lines open for emergency services. The tremors were felt as far away as Bulgaria, and residents in several provinces, including Tekirdag, Yalova, Bursa, and Izmir, reported feeling the quake.
The region’s history with devastating earthquakes has led to efforts to fortify buildings and launch urban reconstruction projects. In February 2023, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake destroyed hundreds of thousands of buildings and resulted in over 53,000 deaths in southern Turkey and 6,000 in Syria. Although the recent quake did not cause widespread destruction, it has raised concerns and highlighted the importance of earthquake preparedness.
