Istanbul Shaken by Powerful 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake – No Major Damage Reported So Far

Istanbul Shaken by Powerful 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake – No Major Damage Reported So Far

Istanbul, Wednesday: A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Istanbul on Wednesday, according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The quake is one of the strongest to hit the city of 16 million people in recent years.

While no major damage was immediately reported, panicked residents rushed out of buildings and onto the streets as the tremors began. The quake was felt across various parts of Istanbul, a city that spans both sides of the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Europe and Asia.

AFAD reported that the epicenter of the quake was in the Silivri area, approximately 80 kilometers west of Istanbul. The earthquake struck at 12:49 PM local time (0949 GMT) and had a depth of 6.92 kilometers.

Turkish broadcaster TGRT reported that one person was injured after jumping off a balcony in panic during the quake. The earthquake occurred during a national holiday in Turkey.

AFAD has issued a warning urging residents not to enter potentially damaged buildings.

Germany’s Geoscience Research Center (GFZ) reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.02 and originated at a depth of 10 kilometers.

While Istanbul has not experienced major earthquakes in recent years, this event has caused widespread concern and anxiety among its residents.