A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 hit the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul, Turkey, sending shockwaves through the city. The quake struck at 12:13 pm local time, with its epicenter located about 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul’s city center.
Residents were caught off guard, with many fleeing buildings in panic. Some were visibly shaken, having not experienced a quake of this intensity in years. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake’s depth at approximately 7 kilometers.
Emergency Response
Local authorities quickly issued warnings, advising people to steer clear of potentially hazardous buildings and areas that hadn’t been deemed safe. Emergency services are closely monitoring the situation. While there are no initial reports of injuries or major damage, officials are urging caution.
Turkey is prone to significant seismic activity due to its location on multiple fault lines. The country has experienced several major earthquakes in the past, including ones near Istanbul. The latest quake serves as another reminder of the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters.
