A powerful earthquake rattled Turkey’s largest city, triggering fear but leaving no significant destruction.
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul on 23 April 2025, causing brief panic across the city. The tremor was centred in the Sea of Marmara, about 40 kilometres southwest of Istanbul, at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres.
Residents reported strong shaking that lasted several seconds. Many ran into the streets, leaving homes and offices in fear of aftershocks. No casualties or major infrastructure damage have been reported so far.
Authorities confirmed the occurrence of multiple aftershocks, the strongest being 5.3 in magnitude. Emergency response units were dispatched to assess the situation and remain on standby.
Turkey lies on two major fault lines and is highly prone to earthquakes. The memory of the devastating 2023 earthquake, which claimed over 53,000 lives, remains fresh. In response, the government has implemented new urban safety policies and stricter building regulations.
Despite the absence of major damage this time, the incident reignites public concern about Istanbul’s preparedness for larger earthquakes. Experts have long warned that the region is overdue for a significant seismic event.
