A Sudden Jolt on a National Holiday
On April 23, 2025, at 12:49 PM local time, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul. The tremor, lasting 13 seconds, occurred during National Sovereignty and Children's Day, a public holiday when many residents were at home or participating in outdoor celebrations.
Injuries and Immediate Impact
The earthquake resulted in at least 236 injuries, primarily due to panic-induced actions such as jumping from buildings or sustaining falls. The majority of these injuries were reported in Istanbul, with additional cases in surrounding provinces.
While no major structural damage was reported, authorities received 378 reports of structural issues, leading to the evacuation of 12 buildings as a precaution. Only one long-abandoned building in Istanbul's historic Fatih district collapsed.
Aftershocks and Public Response
Following the main quake, over 180 aftershocks were recorded, with the strongest measuring 5.9 in magnitude. These subsequent tremors exacerbated public fear, prompting many residents to spend the night outdoors in parks, schoolyards, or temporary shelters provided by authorities.
Government and Expert Reactions
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the nation, expressing relief that the situation was manageable and praying for the country's safety.
Seismologists have noted that this was the strongest earthquake in the area in over 25 years, raising concerns about the potential for a more destructive tremor due to stress shifts in an overdue segment of the fault zone beneath the Sea of Marmara.
Historical Context and Future Preparedness
Turkey is situated on two major fault lines, making it highly susceptible to earthquakes. The memory of the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in 2023, which claimed over 53,000 lives in Turkey and 6,000 in Syria, remains vivid.
In response to ongoing seismic threats, Turkish authorities have initiated urban reconstruction projects aimed at fortifying buildings and improving disaster preparedness. However, experts emphasize the need for continued vigilance and infrastructure improvements to mitigate the risks of future earthquakes.
For more information on earthquake preparedness and safety measures, visit the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) website.