Istanbul Shaken by Powerful 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake

A strong earthquake with the 6.2 magnitude on the Richter scale has hit Istanbul at 12:49 local time (09:49 GMT), sending one of the most populous cities in the world into panic.

AFAD Confirms the Magnitude and Epicenter

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) verified the magnitude of the earthquake and reported that the epicenter was in Silivri, about 80 kilometres from Istanbul. The quake had started at a shallow depth of 6.92 kilometers, so the ground movement was more severe and extensive.

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City of 16 Million Feels the Impact

With more than 16 million inhabitants, Istanbul was hit hard by the tremors. While no major structural damage or loss of life has been reported by authorities, the quake set off mass panic, with many fleeing buildings and seeking refuge in open areas.

No Immediate Damage, But Caution Remains

Although the visible damage did not occur, emergency personnel of stayed on standby. AFAD advised people to stay away from crowded places, avoid buildings, and keep following official orders in the event of aftershocks.

Historical Context and Ongoing Risk

Istanbul is in a seismically active area, and experts have for years cautioned about the threat of a significant earthquake in the area. This latest quake renews worries about the city’s readiness and infrastructure resilience.