Powerful 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Istanbul, Sends Residents Fleeing: VIDEO

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake shook Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday. The quake's epicentre was near Silivri, 80 kilometres west of Istanbul.

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul on Wednesday.

Source : Unsplash

A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake rattled Turkiye on Wednesday, triggering panic and sending people rushing out of buildings across Istanbul. The tremors, felt widely throughout the city, brought life to a sudden standstill in one of the world’s most populous urban centres.

According to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the earthquake struck at 12:49 PM local time (0949 GMT), with its epicentre located near Silivri — approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Istanbul. The quake originated at a relatively shallow depth of 6.92 kilometres (4.3 miles), intensifying the shaking felt on the surface.

Visuals showed people fleeing buildings. One dramatic visual showed the anchor of a news show visibly shaken as the earthquake struck during a programme.

#BREAKING 🇹🇷A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Istanbul, according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency. The German Research Centre for Geosciences recorded it at 6.02 magnitude with a depth of 10 km.

Buildings in Istanbul shook, and many… pic.twitter.com/TZdEHpqzti

— 凤凰欧洲 PhoenixCNE News (@PhoenixCNE_News) April 23, 2025

 

🚨🇹🇷 6.2 EARTHQUAKE SHAKES ISTANBUL

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit near Istanbul, centered in the Sea of Marmara.

It gave the city a good shake, but no injuries or damage have been reported so far.

Turkey’s emergency agency is keeping an eye on things.

Source: Associated… pic.twitter.com/z7qNyNZuz9

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 23, 2025

Authorities described the quake as one of the most significant to hit the region in recent years. Istanbul, straddling both Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, is no stranger to seismic activity, but the strength of this tremor left many residents visibly shaken.

Israeli broadcaster TGRT reported that one individual sustained injuries after leaping from a balcony in a desperate attempt to escape the shaking. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene.  As aftershocks continue to ripple through the area, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant.

TGRT reported that at least four consecutive earthquakes struck the region, with the longest tremor (6.2 magnitude) lasting 10 seconds. The earthquakes created big waves in the Marmara Sea.

After strong 6.2 Earthquake in Istanbul, waves formed in Marmara sea, Turkey pic.twitter.com/d7EOWHaEmx

— Disasters Daily (@DisastersAndI) April 23, 2025

2023 Turkiye Earthquake

The powerful quake was a grim reminder of the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which claimed thousands of lives. The 2023 earthquake on February 6, 2023, recorded 7.8 on the Richter Scale.

The powerful earthquakes struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, leaving a trail of destruction and loss. The initial 7.8-magnitude quake, followed by a 7.5-magnitude aftershock, devastated cities, toppled buildings, and displaced thousands.

The disaster claimed more than 55,000 lives, making it one of the deadliest in the region's history. Even the rescue efforts were hindered by harsh winter conditions and an ongoing conflict in Syria, further complicating humanitarian aid.