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A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Silivri, Istanbul, at 12:49 p.m. local time on Wednesday, causing widespread panic and triggering multiple aftershocks that rattled the region for several hours.
According to Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the tremors began with a 3.9 magnitude quake at 12:13 p.m., followed by 46 aftershocks within a span of three hours.
The aftershocks varied in magnitude, with the smallest recorded at 1.6 and the largest matching the initial 6.2 magnitude quake. The seismic activity affected not only Istanbul but also neighboring areas, shaking residents and heightening fears of further tremors.
According to the Istanbul Governorship, 151 individuals were injured, not due to building collapses but from panic-induced jumps from windows and balconies. All of the injured are currently being treated in hospitals, with no reports of life-threatening injuries.
Seismologists have identified the epicenter of the earthquake as being located along the Kumburgaz Fault, a segment of the North Anatolian Fault Zone, known for accumulating seismic tension. Leading Turkish geoscientist Professor Naci Gorur emphasized that the fault is currently “locked and loading,” indicating that further caution is needed in the region.
Telecommunication services were temporarily disrupted following the earthquake, with users across Türkiye reporting outages from mobile networks making it difficult for many to reach family and friends.
In a 3:30 p.m. update, the Istanbul Governorship provided the following information:
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and have advised residents to avoid potentially damaged structures and follow official channels for further updates.
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