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Earthquake Shakes Istanbul, Prompting Panic and Injuries
ISTANBUL (AP) — A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul and surrounding areas on Wednesday, triggering widespread alarm and numerous injuries in the Turkish metropolis of 16 million residents. While initial reports indicated no major structural damage, the tremor has heightened concerns about seismic activity in the region.
Injuries Reported as Residents Panic
According to the governor’s office, over 150 individuals were hospitalized for injuries sustained while attempting to escape buildings, underscoring the heightened anxiety in Istanbul, a city considered highly vulnerable to a significant seismic event.
Earthquake Details
- The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake’s shallow depth was approximately 10 kilometers (about 6 miles).
- The epicenter was located roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Istanbul, within the Sea of Marmara.
The tremor was felt across several neighboring provinces, including Tekirdag, Yalova, Bursa, Balikesir, and even in the city of Izmir, located approximately 550 kilometers (340 miles) south of Istanbul. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that the initial quake lasted 13 seconds and was succeeded by over 50 aftershocks, with the most intense measuring 5.9.
Public Holiday Disrupted
The earthquake occurred at 12:49 p.m. during a public holiday, with many children celebrating outdoors. The sudden shaking caused widespread panic, as residents fled their homes and workplaces. Authorities urged the public to remain clear of buildings due to the risk of collapse or further tremors.
Aftermath and Reactions
Injured Seeking Treatment
“Due to panic, 151 of our citizens were injured from jumping from heights,” the Istanbul governor’s office conveyed in a statement. “Their treatments are ongoing in hospitals, and they are not in life-threatening condition.”
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Residents Seek Open Spaces
Following the initial shock, many residents congregated in parks, school grounds, and other open areas to avoid being near structures. Some even set up makeshift tents to provide shelter.
President Comments
“Thank God, there does not seem to be any problems for now,” stated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a National Sovereignty and Children’s Day event. “May God protect our country and our people from all kinds of calamities, disasters, accidents, and troubles.”
Eyewitness Accounts
Leyla Ucar, a personal trainer, described the intense shaking she experienced on the 20th floor of a building. “We shook incredibly. It threw us around, we couldn’t understand what was happening… It was very scary.”
Senol Sari, 51, recounted hearing a loud noise before his apartment building began to shake. He and his children immediately evacuated to a nearby park. “We immediately protected ourselves from the earthquake and waited for it to pass. Of course, we were scared.”
Lingering Concerns
While Sari’s family later returned home, he acknowledged the persistent fear of a future, more powerful earthquake. He stated, “It’s an expected earthquake, our concerns continue.”
Families Flee, Memories Stir
Cihan Boztepe, 40, shared his family’s hasty retreat to the streets. Having lived near the epicenter of the devastating 2023 earthquakes, he felt Wednesday’s tremor was less intense but still unsettling for his children. “My children were a little scared, but I wasn’t. We quickly gathered our things and went down to a safe place.”
Building Damage Reports
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported no immediate reports of collapsed buildings but acknowledged reports of structural damage. NTV broadcaster reported the collapse of a derelict building in the historic Fatih district.
Education Minister Yusuf Tekin announced that schools in Istanbul would be closed on Thursday and Friday. “In line with the need for a safe space, our school gardens are open to the use of all our citizens,” Tekin stated.
Turkey’s Seismic Vulnerability
Turkey is situated on two major fault lines, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence.
Past Devastation
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake of February 6, 2023, and subsequent tremors, caused widespread destruction across 11 southern and southeastern provinces, resulting in over 53,000 fatalities. Neighboring Syria also suffered significant casualties.
Despite being spared in the 2023 events, Istanbul remains highly sensitive to seismic risk. Governmental and local authorities have initiated urban renewal and reinforcement projects aimed at minimizing future damage and demolishing vulnerable structures.
Jailed Mayor’s Statement
Ekrem Imamoglu, the incarcerated mayor of Istanbul, issued a statement through his legal representatives, expressing his regret at being unable to directly assist city residents. Imamoglu, considered a political rival to Erdogan, asserted his dedication to disaster preparedness and urban planning.
Gas Stations See Rush
Following the earthquake, long lines formed at gas stations as residents prepared to potentially evacuate Istanbul. Emre Senkay explained his contingency plan: “My plan is to leave Istanbul if there is a more serious earthquake.”