Earthquake of magnitude 6.02 strikes Istanbul but no immediate reports of injuries

April 23, 2025 – Istanbul, Turkey (AP) — A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of Istanbul on Tuesday, according to Turkey’s emergency management agency and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The tremor, which hit at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, was centered in the Sea of Marmara, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Istanbul.

So far, no injuries or property damage have been reported. However, the quake was strongly felt across Istanbul and in several surrounding regions, prompting concern among residents and brief disruptions in daily activities.

A Reminder of Turkey’s Seismic Risks

Turkey sits on a highly active seismic zone, intersected by two major fault lines, and earthquakes are common in the region. The latest tremor comes just over two years after the catastrophic magnitude 7.8 earthquake that devastated large parts of southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6, 2023.

That disaster left more than 53,000 dead in Turkey and claimed the lives of another 6,000 people in Syria, making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in recent history. Over hundreds of thousands of buildings were destroyed or severely damaged, displacing millions and causing billions in economic losses.

No Major Impact This Time

While today’s earthquake was powerful, experts say the location and depth helped reduce its destructive potential. The epicenter being offshore and at a moderate depth likely helped prevent large-scale structural damage.

Emergency services have been placed on high alert, and local authorities are monitoring the situation. Residents were advised to remain calm but prepared for potential aftershocks.