Detailed analysis of the recent earthquake, the epicentre of which was 28 kilometres from Istanbul. Three aftershocks with a magnitude of 5.0 and 22 others with a magnitude of over 3. Vigilance is called for in Greece.
Earthquake of magnitude 6.2 in the Sea of Marmara
This was followed by three aftershocks with a magnitude of 5.0 and 22 more with a magnitude of over 3. The epicentre was 28 kilometres southwest of Istanbul in the Silibria region.
Watch Video Footage from Istanbul
Videos from Istanbul caught the quake as it happened. You can see buildings swaying and people scrambling in panic.
Clips spread fast on social media, really showing how sudden and jarring the whole thing was.
#BREAKING #TURKIYE #TURKEY #TURQUIA #ISTANBUL
TURKIYE :MOMENT POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE MAGNITUDE 6.1 HIT NEAR SILIVRI DISTRICT IN ISTANBUL
Depth :6.9 km – Marmara Sea.
Felt in several cities around the Marmara Sea.#Ultimahora #Earthquake #Sismo #Terremoto #Temblor #Deprem pic.twitter.com/FWE4Sw8UqR— LW World News (@LoveWorld_Peopl) April 23, 2025
Small Tsunami in the Sea
After the earthquake, a small tsunami appeared in the Sea of Marmara. Footage from the coast shows waves behaving oddly, almost out of rhythm.
This was tied to the quake’s underwater epicenter and the fact that it struck at a pretty shallow depth.
Sea of Marmara during the 6.2 earthquake in Istanbul, Türkiye. pic.twitter.com/rULMOOf1WI
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 23, 2025
Widespread Concern and Aftershocks
People in Istanbul were shaken—literally and emotionally. Aftershocks kept rolling in, so nobody really felt safe heading back inside.
There were reports of folks running out of buildings, and a few minor injuries from the chaos.
Official Messages from Erdoğan and the Interior Minister
Turkish officials responded fast, trying to keep everyone calm. They stressed the importance of not going back into buildings that might be unstable.
It was all about safety first, and not making a risky situation worse.
The Fault Could Produce a 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake
Greek seismologist Efthymis Lekkas put it bluntly—the same fault could unleash an even bigger quake, maybe as strong as 7.5. That’s a sobering thought for anyone living nearby.
It’s a reminder that the risk isn’t going away and that close monitoring is a must.
Akis Tselentis: Caution Is Needed
Earthquake expert Akis Tselentis echoed the need for caution. He urged people to stay alert and actually listen to safety advice—not just ignore it.
With seismic activity still a question mark, keeping prepared is just common sense. Nobody wants surprises.
Predicting the Sequence Is Very Difficult
Kostas Papazachos, another seismologist, admitted it’s tough to predict what comes next. Earthquake sequences can be unpredictable and sometimes defy expectations.
That means staying vigilant is the only real option.
Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
Magnitude |
Around 6.2 on the Richter scale |
Location |
Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul |
Epicentre Depth |
Approximately 7 to 12 km |
Reported Casualties |
Minor injuries, no confirmed deaths |
Structural Damage |
Warnings issued, some buildings potentially unsafe |
Aftershocks |
Ongoing, heightening public concern |
Key Recommendations:
- Avoid damaged buildings
- Stay informed through official channels
- Prepare for possible stronger aftershocks
- Follow guidelines from emergency services
Turkish and international seismic agencies are keeping a close watch on the region, trying to stay ahead of any new threats.
Greece urged to stay watchful after recent Turkish earthquake
Kostas Papazachos, a seismologist from Aristotle University, weighed in after a strong earthquake hit Turkey’s northern Marmara Sea. He said the tremor was significant but, for now, Greece isn’t facing major damage because of it.
The quake struck along a well-known fault zone. The lower tectonic plate shifts east here, while the upper layer barely budges.
The epicenter landed near the middle of the fault, sending seismic waves toward Istanbul. Papazachos called it a typical rupture, not the big one experts worry about further east.
In Greece, the shaking was so faint most people didn’t even notice. Still, Papazachos pointed out that the region has a history of powerful quakes, some topping magnitude 7.
Because of that, he says it’s smart to stay vigilant even if there’s no immediate threat right now.
Key Points |
Details |
|---|---|
Fault type |
Right-lateral fault zone |
Movement |
Lower plate shifts east, upper plate mostly still |
Seismic risk |
Low impact currently, but possible minor coastal effects |
Historical quakes |
Past events over magnitude 7 |
Advice |
Continued monitoring and vigilance necessary |
Frequently Asked Questions
What effects can a 6.2 magnitude earthquake have in Istanbul?
A 6.2 quake can shake things up pretty well. Older or badly built buildings might take some damage, but newer ones are generally up to the challenge.
Depending on exactly where and how deep it hits, you could see some service disruptions or infrastructure issues.
How well are Istanbul’s buildings made to resist strong earthquakes?
Most modern buildings in Istanbul follow seismic safety codes, at least in theory. There are still older structures out there that don’t meet the mark, though.
Efforts are ongoing to retrofit or tear down risky buildings, but it’s a big job.
What actions should people in Istanbul take during an earthquake?
If you’re inside, drop to the floor, get under something sturdy, and hang on until it’s over. Don’t stand in doorways or near windows.
Afterward, be ready for aftershocks and check for injuries or hazards before moving around.
Have earthquakes affected Istanbul in the past?
Definitely. Istanbul’s location near active fault lines means it’s dealt with plenty of major quakes over the centuries.
Seismic activity is kind of a fact of life in the area.
How does earthquake depth influence damage in urban settings?
The shallower the quake, the nastier the shaking. Shallow quakes tend to do more damage to buildings and infrastructure than deeper ones.
It’s one of those details that makes a big difference when the ground starts moving.
Which organisations manage earthquake response and aid in Istanbul?
Local authorities—think Istanbul’s municipality and its emergency services—are the first to jump in when disaster hits. They’re right there on the ground, handling immediate response.
On a bigger scale, national groups like AFAD (that’s the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) step in to coordinate relief, rescue, and recovery. They’re the ones making sure everything fits together when things get chaotic.
