New Earthquake in Turkey! M6.2 Quake Shakes Istanbul, Panic in the Streets, Homes Damaged
On April 23, 2025, at 12:49 PM local time, Istanbul was jolted by a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake centered in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of the city. The tremor lasted 13 seconds and was felt across Istanbul and neighboring provinces, causing widespread panic and highlighting the city’s vulnerability to seismic events.
Earthquake Impact
The earthquake epicenter was located beneath the Sea of Marmara, at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers. This proximity to the surface intensified the shaking experienced in Istanbul and surrounding areas. The tremor was felt as far as Bursa, Tekirdağ, Yalova, and even in parts of Greece and Bulgaria.
In Istanbul, over 150 people were injured, primarily due to panic-induced accidents as residents fled buildings. An abandoned three-story building collapsed in the historic Fatih district, and several other structures sustained minor damages. Authorities reported more than 50 aftershocks, the strongest measuring 5.9 in magnitude.
🇹🇷 Earthquakes rocked Istanbul, Turkey
The first tremors were 3.9 in magnitude, then their strength increased to 6.2, and the third earthquake was 4.4 in magnitude. Residents ran out into the streets after the tremors.#earthquakes #istanbuldeprem #Turkiye pic.twitter.com/9h0dDSynEZ
— City Weather (@ukcityweather) April 23, 2025
While the earthquake did not cause widespread structural damage, it disrupted daily life in Istanbul. Schools were closed for two days to assess building safety, and public events were canceled. Emergency services were promptly mobilized to inspect vulnerable sites and monitor for additional seismic activity.
The timing of the quake coincided with a national holiday in Turkey, during which many people were already outdoors participating in celebrations. This may have helped reduce the number of injuries, as fewer individuals were inside buildings at the time of the quake.
Istanbul’s location along the North Anatolian Fault Zone makes it particularly susceptible to earthquake. The city has a history of devastating seismic events, including the 1509 Constantinople earthquake, which caused significant destruction and loss of life.
Modern assessments indicate that Istanbul remains at high risk for future seismic events. Experts warn that a major earthquake could result in substantial casualties and economic losses. The city’s dense population and aging infrastructure exacerbate these risks.
In response to the ongoing threat, Turkish authorities have initiated several programs aimed at improving earthquake preparedness. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change has developed a four-phase plan to strengthen Istanbul’s infrastructure. This includes the reconstruction of 165,000 residential units and the identification of reserve areas for new housing developments.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Approximately 600,000 buildings in Istanbul are considered at risk of immediate collapse in the event of a major earthquake. The city’s rapid urbanization and the presence of numerous structures built before the implementation of modern building codes contribute to this vulnerability.
A significant earthquake in Istanbul could have dire economic consequences. Estimates suggest that a 7.5 magnitude quake could cause damages exceeding $300 billion, affecting approximately 3 million residents and rendering 200,000 buildings uninhabitable.
The potential for such devastation underscores the importance of proactive measures, including infrastructure reinforcement, public education campaigns, and emergency response planning.
The April 23 earthquake serves as a stark reminder of Istanbul’s seismic risks. While the city avoided catastrophic damage this time, the event highlights the urgent need for continued investment in disaster preparedness and urban resilience. As Istanbul continues to grow, ensuring the safety of its residents must remain a top priority.
Gleb Perov is the founder and chief meteorologist of POGODNIK, a leading weather forecasting service in Eastern Europe. With over 15 years of hands-on experience in meteorology and climate analysis, he has worked private weather services.
Gleb is the author of numerous scientific and analytical publications on climate, magnetic storms, and atmospheric processes. He regularly collaborates with major international agencies such as NOAA, ECMWF.
