Thousands rush out of their homes in Istanbul after 6.2 magnitude earthquake

A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit Istanbul on Wednesaday, prompting thousands of people to evacuate buildings. Interior Minister Yerlikaya stated that emergency teams are actively operating throughout the province, ensuring a swift response to any unforeseen events. 

According to reports, the quake occurred off the coast of the Silivri municipality at a depth of 6.92 kilometers.

Interior Minister Yerlikaya announced that emergency services have been deployed to assess the situation and ensure public safety. 

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) is also closely monitoring the aftermath of the earthquake.

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The USGS reported that the tremor occurred approximately 13 miles off the coast of the coastal town of Marmara Ereglisi, which is around 67 miles from Istanbul. 

This seismic event comes as the nation continues to recover from a series of devastating earthquakes earlier in 2023, which resulted in over 55,000 fatalities.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.

Turkey’s disaster agency recorded another three earthquakes, all in Istanbul's Büyükçekmece district, the BBC reported. Their website reportedly crashed, presumably due to the high demand for quake updates.

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According to the BBC, the first quake was of 3.9 magnitude and hit the coast of the Silivri district at 12:13 pm local time.

The second, a 6.2 magnitude quake, struck the same area at 12:49 pm.

The third tremor, measuring 4.4 in magnitude, hit the Büyükçekmece district at 12:51 pm.

There have been no casualties reported so far, although it is noted that Istanbul has not experienced an earthquake of this magnitude in the past six months.