6.2-magnitude earthquake shakes Istanbul; Epicentre in Sea of Marmara

A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul and surrounding regions on Wednesday, sending waves of panic through Turkey’s largest city. The tremor was felt widely, with buildings swaying and residents rushing into the streets.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. Its epicenter was located about 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul, in the Sea of Marmara, an area known for seismic activity.

Fortunately, initial reports indicated no significant loss of life or major property damage. However, videos and images circulated on social media showing crowds of residents evacuating apartments, offices, and shops in fear.

Turkey sits on two major fault lines and is no stranger to earthquakes. The recent tremor revived fresh memories of past devastation, especially the catastrophic earthquakes of February 2023, which killed over 53,000 people in southern Turkey and more than 6,000 in neighboring Syria.

Authorities urged calm but advised residents to inspect their homes for structural issues and be prepared for possible aftershocks. Emergency services remained on alert, monitoring the situation closely across Istanbul and surrounding provinces.

The Sea of Marmara region, lying between the North Anatolian Fault and populated urban centers, continues to be a sensitive zone. Experts have long warned of the seismic risks facing Istanbul, one of the world’s most densely populated cities.