On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday afternoon, Istanbul was struck by an unexpected tremor. At 12:49 PM local time (10:49 BST), a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit the Sea of Marmara, shaking Turkey’s largest city to its core. It wasn’t just Istanbul that felt the effects; the tremors reverberated across neighbouring provinces. Places like Izmir, a whopping 550 kilometres away, are also joining in the seismic scene. The shaking didn’t stop there; aftershocks followed suit, keeping residents on edge for hours.
Panic In The Streets Of Turkey After A 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake
With a midweek earthquake, panic was inevitable. Thankfully, the timing coincided with a public holiday, so many schools, universities, and offices were already closed. As a result, more people were at home, causing more concern when the quake struck. The sound of rumbling buildings led to mass evacuations. Nervous residents fled their homes, some leaping from higher floors, with over 230 people reported as being treated in hospitals for injuries related to the chaos. In the heart of Istanbul’s Fatih district, an abandoned building couldn’t withstand the tremors and collapsed. Luckily, this abandoned structure had no residents inside.
Aftershocks Galore
But the worst wasn’t over. Over 100 aftershocks rocked the area, the most powerful of which measured 5.9 on the Richter scale. The uncertainty lingered as people nervously glanced skyward, wondering which building might be next to sway. In an effort to stay safe, many residents headed to open spaces, such as Beşiktaş’s bustling squares, where crowds gathered in the fresh air. People weren’t willing to take any chances, deciding to spend the night in parks or any open area that might offer a bit of reassurance. To provide shelter, sports halls and mosques were opened to accommodate those who didn’t feel safe returning to their homes.
Government Response & Public Safety
The Turkish government swiftly acted in response to the crisis. Authorities set up emergency protocols, evacuating 12 buildings, while others were carefully examined for structural damage. With 378 reports of damage to buildings, the government had their hands full ensuring the safety of the public. As a precaution, schools would remain closed for the next two days, allowing residents to stay in open areas or designated safe spaces. Education Minister Yusuf Tekin even opened the gates to schoolyards, encouraging families to use the space as temporary refuges.
Also Read: 4.3 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Kachchh In Gujarat; CCTV Footage Shows Tremors’ Impact
Conclusion
The series of earthquakes near Istanbul was a terrifying event, but the response from both the authorities and residents has been nothing short of inspiring. People found safety and solidarity in the chaos, with communities banding together to weather the tremors and their aftermath. Though the aftershocks continue, Istanbul stands resilient. It’s a reminder that while we can never predict the next shake, it’s the way we respond that truly counts.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva, ESMC/X
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