Strong earthquake rattles Istanbul, sends residents fleeing

A series of earthquakes, including a powerful 6.2-magnitude tremor, struck near Istanbul on Wednesday, shaking buildings across Turkey’s largest city and sending residents running into the streets in panic.

The strongest quake hit at 12:49 p.m. local time (09:49 GMT), with Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) confirming its epicentre along the coast of the Sea of Marmara in the Silivri district — approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of central Istanbul. The quake struck at a shallow depth of just under 7 kilometres (4.3 miles), intensifying its impact.

While there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage, authorities have launched a large-scale inspection of buildings across Istanbul, a city home to over 15 million people and long considered vulnerable to seismic activity.

Footage circulating on social media showed swaying chandeliers, residents rushing out of high-rise apartment blocks, and office workers gathering in open spaces. Schools and some public institutions were briefly evacuated as a precaution.

“We are currently assessing the situation and urge all citizens to stay away from buildings that may have been compromised,” said Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. “So far, we have not received reports of major damage or injury, but inspections are ongoing.”

Seismologists said the tremor was part of a broader series of smaller quakes felt throughout the Marmara region on Wednesday morning, raising concerns of further aftershocks. The Istanbul Kandilli Observatory warned that while the current series appears to be tapering, residents should remain vigilant.

Turkey lies on several active fault lines and has experienced devastating quakes in the past, including the catastrophic 1999 İzmit earthquake, which killed more than 17,000 people.

Wednesday’s quake serves as a stark reminder of Istanbul’s seismic vulnerability and has renewed calls for urgent strengthening of infrastructure in the city’s older neighbourhoods.

Emergency services remain on high alert, with local hospitals and first responders prepared in case of further tremors. The Interior Ministry has urged residents to follow official guidance and avoid sharing unverified information online.

Authorities are expected to release a full damage assessment later today.