A powerful earthquake struck Turkey on April 23, 2025, registering a magnitude of 6.2, with its epicenter located in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul. The quake occurred at 12:49 PM local time, causing widespread panic among residents in the bustling city of 16 million.
The tremors were felt not only in Istanbul but also in neighboring regions, including Sakarya and even as far as the capital, Ankara. Reports indicated that the earthquake was also perceptible in countries like Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania, highlighting the quake's significant reach.
According to the American Geological Survey, the earthquake had a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers. Just before the major quake, a smaller tremor of magnitude 3.9 was recorded, followed by several aftershocks, the strongest of which reached up to 4.9 on the Richter scale.
Monika Górniak, a Polish resident living in Istanbul, shared her experience of the quake. "I knew what was happening and ran out of my house because I had the chance. Living on a higher floor can be dangerous during such events," she recounted. Górniak noted that residents of Istanbul are generally prepared for earthquakes, given the city's seismic activity.
Although panic ensued, with many rushing to the streets, reports of serious injuries were limited. The mayor of Bayrampaşa, Hasan Mutlu, confirmed that one person jumped from a window in panic, sustaining minor injuries. The governor of Yalova, Hülya Kaya, reported no significant problems in her area due to the quake.
In response to the earthquake, Turkey's Minister of Internal Affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, announced that emergency services were immediately deployed to assess the situation. "All relevant teams and institutions have already started working in the field," he stated. The governor's office of Istanbul urged residents to avoid entering damaged buildings and to refrain from using public transport for safety reasons.
Despite the chaos, no major structural damages were reported. Minister of Transport, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, confirmed that there were no significant incidents on highways, airports, or public transportation systems. However, rescue helicopters were dispatched to search for potential victims.
Videos circulated on social media showed residents evacuating buildings en masse, with furniture shaking and items falling from shelves during the tremors. Some residents gathered in city parks, seeking safety and comfort in the open air.
The earthquake's timing was particularly unsettling as it coincided with a national holiday in Turkey, when schools were closed and many citizens were celebrating outdoors. In light of the situation, the Istanbul administration canceled all ongoing cultural events.
The tremors elicited memories of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey on February 6, 2023, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale and resulted in the deaths of over 53,000 people. That disaster left a lasting impact, with many buildings destroyed or severely damaged across 11 provinces.
Geophysical engineer Ali İlker Bulu explained that the region is known as a seismic gap, a point where earthquakes are likely to occur. "This area is one of the segments identified in studies regarding seismic activity in Istanbul," he noted.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reassured the public that the government is actively overseeing the developments and providing guidance on safety measures in case of further tremors.
The earthquake's effects serve as a stark reminder of Turkey's vulnerability to seismic events, given that the country is traversed by two major fault lines. The government has been working on strengthening buildings and demolishing those deemed unsafe to mitigate future risks.
In conclusion, while the April 23 earthquake rattled Istanbul and its surrounding areas, the response from emergency services and the preparedness of residents helped to minimize panic and potential injuries. The focus now remains on ensuring safety and addressing the concerns of those affected by the tremors.
