By s3nouc1 
April 23, 2025 | AFP
A strong earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara on Wednesday, sparking panic but causing no reported casualties or damage. The quake was followed by over 50 aftershocks, the largest reaching 5.9 magnitude.
According to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the epicenter was located off Silivri in the Marmara Sea. The initial quake hit at 12:59 PM, at a depth of about 7 kilometers, and lasted for 13 seconds.
Residents across Istanbul, a city of 16 million people, felt at least two strong tremors, just seconds apart. Panic spread quickly, with thousands rushing into parks and open spaces, avoiding buildings for fear of aftershocks.
As of 3:12 PM, 51 aftershocks were recorded, said Yerlikaya on X (formerly Twitter).
The tremors were also felt in nearby cities and as far as Izmir, Sofia (Bulgaria), and the Greek island of Lesbos.
Despite the panic, no injuries or major damage have been reported. One vacant building in Istanbul’s Fatih district collapsed, according to NTV, but it had been empty for nearly 30 years.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that he is closely monitoring the situation. Istanbul’s governor confirmed that no buildings collapsed, but emergency services remain on alert and advised citizens to avoid damaged structures.
Transport Minister reported no damage to highways, railways, airports, or metro systems.
Growing Fears of a “Big One”
Experts have long warned of a major earthquake along the North Anatolian Fault, just 20 kilometers from Istanbul. Some predict a 7.0+ magnitude quake by 2030, which could destroy hundreds of thousands of buildings.
Renowned seismologist Prof. Naci Görür commented that Wednesday’s quake is not the expected “big one” but urged both citizens and authorities to prepare for a more powerful earthquake in the region.
The memory of the February 2023 quake in southeast Turkey—killing over 53,000 people—still haunts the nation.
The Silivri region also houses one of Turkey’s largest prisons, holding opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu and philanthropist Osman Kavala. Reports confirm no damage to the facility.
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