Powerful Earthquake in Istanbul, Turkey

Powerful Earthquake Rocks Istanbul, Turkey

A massive 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Istanbul’s Silivri district on April 23, 2025, at 10:46 a.m. local time.

The quake, centered in the Marmara Sea at a shallow depth of 6.9 kilometers, shook Turkey’s largest city and surrounding areas. Tremors were felt across cities around the Marmara region, including Tekirdağ, Bursa, and Çanakkale.

Deaths?

No deaths have been reported, but the quake caused widespread panic and minor damage.

Buildings swayed as residents rushed into the streets.

Videos showed people fleeing homes and offices. Some older structures in Silivri and nearby areas suffered cracks, and a few walls collapsed.

Rescue Efforts

Emergency services responded quickly, inspecting buildings for safety. Over 20 people were treated for minor injuries, mostly from falls or panic-related incidents. Authorities reported no major structural collapses, but inspections continue.

The quake disrupted daily life. Cell towers went down briefly, hindering communication. Public transport, including metro lines, paused for safety checks.

Schools and offices sent people home early. Many residents avoided returning indoors, fearing aftershocks. Small tremors followed, but none caused further damage.

Turkey’s disaster agency, AFAD, urged calm and warned of potential aftershocks. “Stay away from damaged buildings,” AFAD said in a statement.

The government deployed rescue teams as a precaution. Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, said the city is checking critical infrastructure, like bridges and hospitals, for damage.

The earthquake sparked criticism on social media. Many blamed the government for poor urban planning. “No safe assembly areas left,”. Others noted Turkey’s history of deadly quakes, like the 2023 7.8-magnitude disaster that killed over 53,000 people. That event exposed weak building standards, fueling fears about Istanbul’s readiness for a major quake.

Experts warn Istanbul sits near the North Anatolia fault line, making it prone to earthquakes. “A bigger one could hit anytime,” said geoscientist Celal Şengör.

The city has faced 34 strong quakes in the last 2,000 years. Residents now worry about “the big one,” a long-feared catastrophic quake.

The government promised swift action. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said teams are monitoring the situation. Temporary shelters are being set up for those afraid to return home.

Power and water services remain stable, but some areas reported brief outages.

As night falls, many in Istanbul remain on edge. Families are camping in parks and open spaces. The quake serves as a stark reminder of Turkey’s seismic risks.

Authorities urge residents to secure heavy objects and keep emergency kits ready. For now, the city holds its breath, hoping the worst is over.

Share This Post: