Panic flares up as 6.2 magnitude earthquake strikes Istanbul
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul, triggering widespread panic, Middle East Eye via Reuters reported on April 23rd.
Emergency units were deployed across the province. Authorities urged residents to avoid damaged buildings and use SMS or messaging apps for communication.
The quake was recorded off the coast of Silivri at a depth of 6.92 km, according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).
Istanbul governor, Davut Gul, confirmed that the quake injured 151 people, due to anxiety-driven jumps from buildings. The Istanbul governorate said that emergency teams remain on high alert.
The governorate stated they will continue to search the area, but so far, no buildings have collapsed. Residents rushed into the streets in fear of buildings falling.
Many people were prepared to spend the night outside to safeguard themselves against more danger, the BBC reported on April 23rd.
At Istanbul Airport, passengers and employees ran for safety. In Taksim Square, hotel and office workers assembled outside.
Transport Minister, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, revealed that their initial investigations have not revealed any damages on highways, airports, trains and subways, The Independent reported on April 23rd.
Ahmad Hashem, from Basaksehir, described feeling confused during a work meeting as the ground shook. He also said: “The first thing I thought of was my family, my wife and children. They are in an apartment in a high-rise building and I was worried for them. Thank God they’re all safe.”
Turkey was faced with deadly earthquakes in 2023, which killed over 55,000 people. Turkey has also recently experienced political strife. Istanbul’s imprisoned mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu appeared before a court on several cases made against him on April 11th, AP News reported.
Middle East Eye via Reuters, BBC, The Independent, AP
