236 injured in Istanbul earthquake
24/04/2025

All relevant agencies and response teams are mobilised, while assessments are being carried out to assess the damage and ensure public safety. - Photo REUTERS
ISTANBUL: An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck Istanbul, Turkiye on Wednesday, leaving at least 236 people injured, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
The epicenter was located in the Silivri district of Istanbul, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
The quake struck at 12:49 p.m. local time and was felt throughout Istanbul and nearby provinces, causing people to rush out of buildings.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the quake struck at a depth of nearly 7 kilometres and lasted for 13 seconds.
The governor's office said 236 people were injured after falling from a high place due to panic. They are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
"A total of 127 aftershocks were recorded as of 5:55 p.m., with the highest magnitude measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale," Yerlikaya said.
Meanwhile, Environment, Municipalities and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum said a total of 378 reports of structural damage were received through the 112 emergency line.
"Our team identified nine houses that needed to be vacated," he said.
AFAD said in a statement that no reports of death or major destruction have been received so far based on the assessment of reports received from the 112 Emergency Call Centre.
All relevant agencies and response teams are mobilised, while assessments are being carried out to assess the damage and ensure public safety.
"I express my condolences and pray for the safety of all ordinary people; the government is monitoring the situation closely," Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a brief statement.