April 23, 2025
A 6.2magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul at 12:49 p.m. local time today, causing widespread panic and injuring at least 151 people, mostly during frantic evacuations. The quakes epicenter was located in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul, with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. citeturn0news14
The tremor was felt across Istanbul and neighboring provinces, including Tekirdağ, Yalova, Bursa, and İzmir. While there were no immediate reports of fatalities or significant structural damage, an abandoned building collapsed in Istanbuls historic Fatih district. More than 50 aftershocks followed, the strongest registering 5.9. citeturn0news12
In response, authorities closed schools for two days and urged residents to stay away from potentially unsafe buildings. Many people sought refuge in parks and open areas, setting up tents as a precaution. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other officials called for calm and emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness.
Seismologists have long warned of Istanbuls vulnerability due to its proximity to the North Anatolian Fault. Experts like Naci Görür have cautioned that todays quake could increase stress along fault lines, potentially leading to a more devastating earthquake in the future. citeturn0news14
Urban transformation projects aimed at fortifying vulnerable buildings are ongoing, but challenges remain. Many structures, especially those built before 1999, are still at risk. Efforts to retrofit or rebuild these buildings face obstacles such as high costs and bureaucratic hurdles. citeturn0search6
Todays earthquake serves as a stark reminder of Istanbuls seismic risks and the urgent need for comprehensive preparedness measures to safeguard the citys 16 million residents.