A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck near Istanbul on Wednesday, shaking buildings and sending residents fleeing into the streets.

The tremor was confirmed by Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

According to USGS data, the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul, beneath the Sea of Marmara.

The quake was felt across Istanbul and in several neighboring provinces, prompting widespread concern but no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage. Witnesses reported buildings swaying and people evacuating homes, schools, and offices as a precaution.

Emergency services were quickly mobilized to assess potential impacts, while AFAD urged the public to remain calm and follow official updates.

Türkiye sits atop some of the world’s most seismically active fault lines, with Istanbul particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to the North Anatolian Fault.

Wednesday’s tremor reignited fears of a larger earthquake, particularly in light of Türkiye’s devastating February 2023 earthquake, which registered at magnitude 7.8 and was followed hours later by another massive shock. That twin disaster killed over 53,000 people and destroyed or damaged hundreds of thousands of buildings across 11 provinces in southern and southeastern Türkiye. In neighboring Syria, another 6,000 people lost their lives.

Seismologists continue to warn of the region’s high seismic risk and urge ongoing preparedness measures for urban areas like Istanbul, home to over 15 million people.

Authorities remain on alert as aftershocks are possible in the hours and days following the quake. (ILKHA)