Powerful quake hits Istanbul, no major damage reported

PanARMENIAN.Net - A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Istanbul and surrounding regions on April 23, 2025, at 12:49 p.m. local time. The epicenter was located in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul, at a depth of 6.92 kilometers.

The tremor was felt across several provinces, including Bursa, Yalova, and Tekirdağ. Residents evacuated homes and buildings in panic, with one reported injury resulting from a person jumping from a window.

Following the main quake, multiple aftershocks occurred, the strongest measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale. Authorities urged citizens to stay away from potentially damaged structures and to avoid using vehicles unless necessary.

Despite the intensity of the earthquake, there were no immediate reports of significant structural damage or casualties. The Istanbul Governor's Office confirmed that no buildings had collapsed, and field assessments were ongoing.

The earthquake coincided with a national holiday, leading to the cancellation of public events in Istanbul. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure public safety.

Turkey, situated on major fault lines, is prone to seismic activity. The recent quake has reignited concerns about the vulnerability of buildings in densely populated areas like Istanbul, prompting discussions on urban reconstruction and reinforcement initiatives.