Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extended his well wishes to citizens affected by the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Istanbul and the wider Marmara region on Wednesday, assuring the public that the state’s emergency response teams remain fully mobilized.

Speaking at the 47th International April 23rd Children’s Festival, organized by Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) at the Beştepe Nation’s Exhibition Hall in Ankara, President Erdoğan took a moment to address the tremor that jolted Istanbul earlier in the day.

“AFAD, our Ministry of Health, and all units of our state are on alert. Search and rescue operations are continuing with great precision,” he stated.

Erdoğan further noted that he had received up-to-date briefings from key officials including the Head of Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and the Governor of Istanbul.

“Thankfully, there appears to be no troubling situation at the moment,” he said, expressing relief at the preliminary findings, which have so far reported no major damage or loss of life.

The President’s remarks came during a vibrant celebration that brought together children from across the globe to mark National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on April 23, a cherished national holiday that emphasizes Türkiye’s commitment to peace, unity, and the well-being of future generations. (ILKHA)