TMT Newses International Desk
On April 23, 2025, a powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the Sea of Marmara, approximately 42 kilometers from Büyükçekmece, near Istanbul, Turkey. The tremor occurred at 12:49 p.m. local time and lasted about 13 seconds, causing widespread panic in Istanbul and surrounding provinces. Le Monde
Impact and Casualties
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Injuries: At least 359 individuals were injured, primarily due to panic-induced incidents such as falls and jumping from buildings.
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Aftershocks: The initial quake was followed by over 100 aftershocks, with the strongest registering a magnitude of 5.9.
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Structural Damage: While no major structural collapses were reported, authorities documented 378 instances of damage, including the collapse of an abandoned building. AP News
Public Reaction and Emergency Response
The earthquake struck during National Sovereignty and Children's Day celebrations, leading to the suspension of festivities. Residents evacuated buildings en masse, with many seeking refuge in parks and open spaces. AP News
Emergency services deployed over 3,500 personnel, including 1,443 in Istanbul, along with 250 vehicles and 18 rescue dogs. Authorities evacuated 12 buildings as a precaution and opened sports halls and mosques to accommodate those displaced. WikipediaAP News
Government Measures
In response to the quake, Education Minister Yusuf Tekin announced the closure of schools in Istanbul and Tekirdağ for April 24 and 25. Wikipedia
Official Statements
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed relief that the situation was manageable and extended prayers for the nation's safety. People.com
Istanbul, a city of over 16 million people, lies near the North Anatolian Fault and is considered highly vulnerable to seismic activity. This event underscores the ongoing concerns regarding the city's earthquake preparedness and the urgency of urban reconstruction efforts. AP News
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