A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye’s largest city, Istanbul, on Wednesday, injuring at least 151 people in panic-induced incidents, though none were in life-threatening condition, authorities said.
The quake struck at 12:49 p.m. local time (0949 GMT), with its epicenter located in the Silivri district, west of central Istanbul, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). It was felt across the city of more than 15 million residents and in neighboring provinces, sending people fleeing into the streets.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the earthquake occurred at a depth of nearly 7 km (4.3 miles) and lasted for 13 seconds.
Most of the injuries occurred as people jumped from balconies or windows in panic, Istanbul’s governor’s office said. All victims were being treated in hospitals, it added.
Two aftershocks, each registering a magnitude of 4.9, followed the main tremor—first at 13:02 and again at 15:12—both with epicenters off the coast of Buyukcekmece in the Sea of Marmara.
AFAD said there were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage, but field assessments were continuing. Emergency services and response teams had been deployed, and citizens were urged to avoid using vehicles and mobile phones unless necessary.
“We have not received any reports of destruction,” the governor’s office said. “Our teams are continuing their field scans.”
President Tayyip Erdogan said he was receiving updates from senior officials, including the interior, environment, and health ministers, as well as AFAD and Istanbul’s governor.
“Thankfully, there appears to be no troubling situation at the moment,” Erdogan said in a statement. “I extend my well wishes to all our citizens. We are closely monitoring the developments.”
Authorities warned residents not to enter damaged or potentially unsafe buildings and to remain alert for further tremors.