Istanbul, Turkey – On April 23, 2025, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul, rattling buildings and prompting widespread evacuations across the city of 16 million. The tremor, which occurred at 12:49 p.m. local time, had its epicenter approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) reported that the quake was one of the strongest to hit Istanbul in recent years. Residents evacuated buildings in panic, with some reporting aftershocks following the initial tremor. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment of the quake, showing shaking structures and people rushing to safety.
Local authorities, including the Istanbul governor’s office, confirmed no reports of collapsed buildings or significant damage. However, one person was injured after jumping from a balcony during the quake, according to broadcaster TGRT. Kemal Cebi, mayor of the Küçükçekmece district, noted traffic jams and highlighted concerns about the vulnerability of densely packed buildings in the area.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated on X that he was closely monitoring the situation, with his office issuing guidance on earthquake preparedness. The event revived memories of the devastating 1999 earthquake near Istanbul, which claimed 17,000 lives, and the catastrophic 7.8 magnitude quake in southern Turkey in 2023, which killed over 53,000 people.
Turkey lies on two major fault lines, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence. While Istanbul was spared major destruction this time, experts continue to warn of the city’s proximity to active fault lines, urging improved infrastructure resilience.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality reported “no serious cases” following the quake, and residents were advised to remain calm and avoid potentially damaged structures.
