Istanbul Endures 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake as Residents Panic

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake has hit near Istanbul, causing widespread panic among the city's residents as they evacuated buildings, hoping for the safety of their loved ones.

Istanbul has been rocked by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake today, measuring at a depth of approximately 6.92 kilometers (about 4.3 miles). The tremor, recorded by Turkey's emergency services, struck at 12:49 PM local time (09:49 GMT) in the Marmara Sea, specifically in the Silivri area, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Istanbul. Although there are no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, the intensity of the quake has led many residents to flee their homes in fear.

Reports indicate that this earthquake, one of the most powerful experienced by residents in years, caused furniture and light fixtures to topple, significantly heightening the anxiety in a city that has previously endured two catastrophic earthquakes in Southern Turkey in 2023, which resulted in over 55,000 fatalities.

Istanbul, home to 16 million residents, is situated just 20 kilometers from the North Anatolian Fault Line, a seismic hotspot. Turkish officials have confirmed the major tremor, along with two smaller aftershocks, as the city collectively holds its breath, awaiting more information about the quake's impact and potential repercussions. As this story unfolds, updates will be provided.