A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 rattled Istanbul on 23 April 2024, causing momentary panic among the city’s residents. The tremors were felt across the megacity, with people evacuating buildings and gathering in parks or sitting on doorsteps to seek safety.
Details of the Quake
- Epicentre: Silivri, located approximately 80 km (50 miles) west of Istanbul.
- Status: No immediate damage reported; initial inspections confirmed safety on highways, airports, and transit systems.
- Time: The quake struck at 12:49 PM local time (5 PM Singapore time) at a depth of 6.92 km (4.3 miles).
The Istanbul governor’s office has reassured residents that there have been no reports of building collapses and urged people to remain calm. However, one injury was reported from an incident related to a jump from a balcony.
Community Reaction
Yusuf, a local street vendor, described the atmosphere: “We all panicked and just ran. There’s absolutely nothing else we can do.” In the aftermath, many felt the tremors as far away as Bulgaria, indicating the quake’s strength.
Context of Recent Earthquakes
This recent quake brought back haunting memories of the catastrophic 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey in February 2023, which resulted in over 55,000 fatalities. Moreover, the tremors occurred near Silivri, a location that has been in the news due to the jailing of Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu amid political controversy.
Despite the palpable fear among many, groups like the Parents Solidarity Network confirmed via X that the children detained in local prisons were unharmed, underscoring a sense of relief amidst the chaos.
Aftershocks and Safety Measures
Residents are advised to stay vigilant as aftershocks continue to ripple through the area. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu has reassured the public of safety across vital transport services, while President Tayyip Erdogan issued guidance on necessary precautions during further quakes.