Panic in Istanbul: Powerful Quake Shakes City, Sends Residents Outdoors

A powerful earthquake struck near Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, triggering panic among residents and forcing many to flee their homes. The 6.2 magnitude tremor occurred in the Sea of Marmara at 12:49 PM local time and was felt not only across Istanbul but also in nearby provinces and the city of Izmir, approximately 550 kilometers to the south. A series of aftershocks followed, deepening the fear and uncertainty among the population.

While there have been no significant reports of widespread structural damage, an abandoned building in Istanbul’s central Fatih district did collapse. The panic sparked by the tremors led to dangerous reactions; over 150 people were hospitalized after injuring themselves while jumping from high places in a rush to escape the shaking buildings. Emergency services have been on high alert, responding swiftly to the situation.

Fortunately, the earthquake occurred on a national holiday, which meant that schools, universities, and public institutions were closed. This likely minimized the potential for greater casualties as many people were already at home when the quake struck. Nonetheless, the fear of aftershocks and concerns about building safety drove hundreds of residents to seek refuge in open areas.

In neighborhoods like Beşiktaş, one of the city's busiest districts, people gathered in parks and public squares to avoid being indoors. University student Selim Ustaoğlu described his experience, saying he initially felt faint before realizing it was an earthquake. He packed a few essentials, including a toothbrush, charger, and his favorite sweater, and joined others in the square, choosing to sleep outside for the night.

Another student, Zeynep Akıncıoğlu, was shopping with her family when the ground began to shake. They rushed out of the supermarket, and like many others, she expressed her fear of returning to her apartment building, which she described as structurally unsound. The uncertainty surrounding building stability has left many Istanbul residents hesitant to re-enter their homes.

Long-time Istanbul resident Omar Syed, originally from India, said it was the most intense quake he had ever experienced. He and his wife were having brunch when the tremors hit, prompting them to leave their building immediately. “You never really feel prepared for something like this,” he remarked, reflecting the general sentiment of shock and vulnerability shared by many.

Caroline and David Warburton from the UK, vacationing in Istanbul with their two children, were in an eighth-floor apartment when the earthquake hit. Caroline recalled the violent shaking lasting what felt like five minutes. The family quickly gathered their passports and phones before evacuating. They joined dozens of others in a local park, where residents sought safety away from tall buildings.

As emergency sirens echoed through the streets and fire trucks raced by, residents reported visible cracks in buildings and high levels of distress among children. The events of the day left Istanbul on edge, with many choosing caution over comfort and spending the night under the open sky. The situation remains tense as authorities monitor aftershocks and assess potential damage.