A powerful earthquake accompanied by dozens of aftershocks triggered panic in Turkey’s largest and most populous city, Istanbul. The tremor struck at midday during a public holiday.
Istanbul was shaken by a magnitude 6.2 earthquake on Wednesday, leaving at least 151 people injured, officials confirmed on Thursday.
According to the governor’s office, most injuries were sustained by individuals attempting to jump from buildings in panic. “Their treatment is ongoing in hospitals, and none are in life-threatening condition,” the statement noted.
The United States Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres (approximately 6 miles).
Terrified residents gathered in open parks and public spaces after the tremor struck on 23 April 2025. The epicentre was located roughly 40 kilometres southwest of Istanbul, in the Sea of Marmara, yet it was felt strongly throughout the city.
Journalists reporting from the scene described widespread fear: “We witnessed people rushing out of buildings and remaining outdoors. Their fear is understandable, given Turkey’s vulnerability to seismic activity.”
Istanbul residents remain haunted by memories of previous disasters. The city was severely impacted by a major earthquake in 1999, and in 2023, two massive quakes devastated parts of southeastern Turkey. These events remain fresh in the public consciousness.
“This is the risk we live with in this city; it’s part of life in Turkey, unfortunately,” one resident shared.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking during a holiday event, said: “Thank God, there do not appear to be any serious problems at the moment. May God protect our nation and our people from all manner of calamities, disasters, accidents, and troubles.”
The tremor was also felt in the neighbouring provinces of Tekirdağ, Yalova, Bursa, and Balıkesir, as well as in the city of İzmir, some 550 kilometres to the south of Istanbul.
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