ISTANBUL (AP) – Many residents of Istanbul found themselves spending the night outdoors due to heightened fears after a strong earthquake and over 180 aftershocks rattled the city. The magnitude 6.2 quake occurred on Wednesday and significantly affected the metropolitan area of 16 million inhabitants, causing widespread panic among the populace.
Although there have been no reports of serious damage, the tremors were strong enough to incite fear of a possible more destructive earthquake. Many residents were injured while attempting to jump from buildings or suffering from panic attacks. Reports indicate that at least 236 individuals received treatment for injuries, primarily in Istanbul, where anxiousness prevails due to the city's known vulnerability to seismic activity.
The earthquake's epicenter was located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, with a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles) as determined by the United States Geological Survey. The quake was felt in several neighboring provinces, amplifying the already tense atmosphere in the city.
In light of the recent shocks, many residents opted to seek refuge outdoors, choosing to sleep in their cars or set up tents in parks and open spaces. To keep warm during the chilly night, a number of individuals lit campfires. This reaction reflects the lingering anxiety from past earthquakes, particularly the catastrophic 7.8-magnitude earthquake that occurred on February 6, 2023, which resulted in over 53,000 fatalities and the destruction or damage of hundreds of thousands of structures across southern and southeastern Turkey, as well as in neighboring Syria.
The Turkish disaster and emergency management agency, AFAD, reported that Wednesday's earthquake was succeeded by 184 aftershocks, with seven registering magnitudes of 4 or higher. Environmental, Urbanization, and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum mentioned that authorities received 378 reports of structural damage across various buildings, necessitating the evacuation of at least 12 as a precautionary measure. However, only one structure—an old, abandoned building in the historic Fatih district—collapsed.
Germany’s GFZ seismological research institute underscored the significant nature of this earthquake, noting it was the strongest in the region in over 25 years. They indicated that the seismic activity might either decrease temporarily or increase the likelihood of a more severe quake. The institute noted that the area under the Sea of Marmara south of Istanbul has not experienced a major earthquake in over 250 years, rendering it overdue for a significant tremor potentially reaching a magnitude of 7.4.
The combination of recent seismic activity and the historical context of Turkish earthquakes has left residents uneasy. As fears escalate, the region grapples with the reality of its geological vulnerabilities, reaffirming the urgency of preparedness in this earthquake-prone area.
