A series of earthquakes, including a powerful 6.2-magnitude tremor, struck Istanbul on Wednesday, prompting residents to flee buildings as tremors were felt across Turkey’s largest city. As reported by Reuters and the Associated Press (AP), there were no immediate reports of deaths or significant damage

According to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), the seismic activity began with a 3.0-magnitude quake off the coast of the Silivri district at 12:13 local time (10:13 BST). This was followed by the strongest jolt—a 6.2-magnitude earthquake—hitting the same area at 12:49 (10:49 BST). Just minutes later, at 12:51 (10:51 BST), a 4.4-magnitude quake was recorded in Istanbul’s Buyukcekmece district.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the main earthquake’s magnitude as 6.2, with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), centered about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara. The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) measured it slightly lower at 6.02 magnitude, with the same depth.

According to the BBC, buildings shook and people rushed into the streets, particularly on the European side of the city.

Turkish authorities have issued warnings to the public following a series of earthquakes near Istanbul, urging residents to avoid potentially damaged buildings and to limit phone and vehicle use to essential situations only.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on X that emergency teams have begun assessing the impact of the quakes, which struck the Silivri district and were felt across nearby provinces. Yerlikaya extended his well wishes to those affected, stating, “May God protect our country and our nation from disasters.”

According to broadcaster TGRT, one person was injured after jumping from a balcony during the tremors, which occurred during a public holiday in the country.

While no structural damage or deaths have been officially reported so far, this is a developing story. Istanbul sits near the North Anatolian Fault, one of the world’s most active and dangerous seismic zones.

This is a developing story.