ISTANBUL, April 23, 2025 — A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Istanbul and surrounding provinces on Wednesday afternoon, injuring more than 150 people and sending panicked residents into the streets, authorities confirmed.
The tremor struck at 12:49 p.m. local time, coinciding with National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, a public holiday when many children were out of school celebrating. While no major structural damage or fatalities have been reported, the Istanbul Governor’s Office said that 151 people were hospitalized, most injured while attempting to flee buildings—some reportedly jumping from heights.
The quake’s epicenter was located in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul, with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor was felt across Tekirdağ, Yalova, Bursa, Balıkesir, and as far as Izmir, some 550 kilometers away.
Several aftershocks followed, including one registering magnitude 5.3, compounding public anxiety in a city already bracing for the long-anticipated “Big One.”
No Structural Collapses, But Fears Intensify
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated on HaberTurk TV that there were no confirmed building collapses but acknowledged reports of structural damage. In the immediate aftermath, authorities urged citizens to stay away from buildings amid aftershock risks.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking at a Children’s Day event, offered reassurances:
“Thank God, there does not seem to be any problems for now. May God protect our country and our people from all kinds of calamities, disasters, accidents and troubles.”
Eyewitness accounts painted a picture of confusion and fear. Leyla Ucar, a personal trainer, told reporters she was training on the 20th floor of a building when the quake hit:
“It threw us around… We didn’t think of an earthquake at first because of the shock of the event. It was very scary.”
A City on Edge
Istanbul, home to over 16 million people, lies dangerously close to the North Anatolian Fault Line, one of the most active in the world. Seismologists have long warned of a potentially catastrophic earthquake in the region. The 2023 twin quakes in southeastern Turkey, which left over 53,000 people dead and destroyed hundreds of thousands of buildings, have only intensified public concern.
In response to seismic risks, Turkey’s government and local authorities have launched urban renewal and building fortification efforts, targeting older, vulnerable structures. These projects have gained urgency following recent disasters and Wednesday’s quake will likely reinforce the need for faster implementation.
Authorities have established temporary shelters in parks and open areas, with many residents pitching tents or choosing to remain outdoors overnight.
As the city recovers, emergency services continue monitoring aftershocks and assessing structural safety across affected districts.
Sources:
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
- Istanbul Governor’s Office
- Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD)
- The Washington Post
- HaberTurk TV
Max Power Credit Send Relief Photo of Turkey Syria Earthquake of Jan 2023 | Picture for illustration purposes only
