A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the Marmara Sea near the western outskirts of Istanbul on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through Turkey’s largest city and prompting residents to flee buildings in alarm. The tremor, which occurred at 12:49 p.m. local time, was centered near Silivri, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
The quake was followed by a series of aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 4.4 to 4.9, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) confirmed on social media platform X.
In Istanbul, home to more than 16 million people, buildings swayed as the tremors struck, leading to scenes of panic in the streets. Residents poured out of homes and offices, many anxiously checking their phones for updates. “I just felt the earthquake, I've got to get out,” said a visibly shaken decorator who had been working in a fourth-floor apartment near Galata Tower.
Despite the intensity of the quake, city officials and regional authorities reported no immediate injuries or structural collapses. “So far, we have no information about any buildings collapsing,” the governor’s office stated, while urging the public to stay clear of potentially compromised structures.
The Istanbul municipality confirmed that no serious incidents had been reported and reassured residents that emergency teams remained on alert.
The tremors were felt beyond Turkey’s borders, with reports from AFP journalists indicating that the quake was noticeable as far as the Bulgarian capital, Sofia.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as aftershocks persist and inspections of infrastructure and buildings get underway.