A series of earthquakes struck Istanbul and surrounding provinces today, with the strongest registering at 6.2 on the Richter scale. According to the Istanbul Municipality and official statements, no fatalities or serious structural damage to residential buildings have been reported.

In an official statement released at 15:30, Istanbul Municipality confirmed that there have been no casualties or significant disruptions to essential services. It reported that electricity, natural gas, drinking water, and sewage systems are all functioning normally.

The only reported structural incident involved an abandoned building that collapsed in the Fatih district. There were no injuries or fatalities in connection with the collapse.

A reported total of 151 people were injured in the aftermath of the tremors, primarily due to jumping from heights in a panic. All are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, and none are reported to be in critical condition.

Minister of Education Yusuf Tekin announced that all schools in Istanbul will remain closed for at least two days—Thursday and Friday—as a precautionary measure. Schoolyards have been opened to the public as temporary safe gathering areas.

Additionally, administrative leave has been granted to public sector employees who are disabled, pregnant, disabled veterans, or mothers of children under the age of 10. This does not apply to personnel working in health and safety sectors, who are expected to remain on duty.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the primary earthquake occurred in Silivri, in the Sea of Marmara. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has launched on-site investigations to assess the impact.

The Geodynamic Institute reported a total of eight earthquakes within the span of one hour, ranging in magnitude from 3.4 to 6.2:

  • 12:19 — 3.9 magnitude

  • 12:49 — 6.2 magnitude

  • 12:51 — 5.9 and 4.4 magnitude

  • 13:01 — 4.8 magnitude

  • 13:02 — 4.5 and 4.9 magnitude

  • 13:07 — 3.4 magnitude

Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity and field teams remain active across the city.

Top Greek seismologist Efthymios Lekkas weighed in on the strong 6.2 quake that shook Istanbul on Wednesday in an interview with public broadcaster ERT, stressing it was still premature to determine whether the earthquake was the main seismic event or a precursor to a larger one.