Istanbul earthquake live updates: 6.2 magnitude earthquake jolts Istanbul, at least 151 injured amid panic

More than 50 aftershocks were recorded in the Istanbul region on Wednesday following a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the Sea of Marmara, just south of Turkey’s largest city.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said in a statement on X that by 3:12 pm local time (1512 GMT), a total of 51 aftershocks had occurred — the strongest measuring 5.9 in magnitude. The initial earthquake, which struck at 12:59 pm, was approximately seven kilometers deep and lasted 13 seconds, he added.

At least 151 people in Istanbul have been injured after jumping from heights in a state of panic during the recent earthquakes, according to the governor’s office. In a statement posted on X, officials confirmed that no fatalities have been recorded, and no residential buildings have collapsed.

An abandoned structure in the city’s Fatih district did collapse, but no injuries or deaths occurred as a result. Authorities also reported that essential services—including energy, gas, water, and sewage systems—remain unaffected.

Broadcaster TGRT reported that one person was injured after jumping off a balcony during the earthquake in Istanbul. The tremor occurred on a public holiday in Turkey, prompting panic among residents. Emergency services are currently addressing the situation.

Following a series of earthquakes near Istanbul, authorities have urged residents to avoid entering potentially damaged buildings. Officials also advised the public to refrain from using vehicles or mobile phones unless absolutely necessary to keep roads and communication lines clear for emergency use.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that disaster and emergency response teams have begun assessing the situation to determine the full extent of the impact.

Earthquake tremors felt as far as Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania. According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers and was centered approximately 73 kilometers (45 miles) from Istanbul.

The widespread impact of the tremor prompted concern across the region, although there were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties. Authorities in all affected countries are monitoring the situation closely.

• The first is of 3.9 magnitude and hit the coast of the Silivri district at 12:13 local time (10:13 BST)
• The second is of 6.2 magnitude and hit the same area at 12:49 (10:49 BST)
• The third quake of 4.4 magnitude in Istanbul's Buyukcekmece district hit at 12:51 local time (10:51 BST)

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has confirmed that the earthquake which struck near Istanbul on Wednesday registered a magnitude of 6.2 and occurred at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometres.

The epicentre was located roughly 40 kilometres southwest of Istanbul, in the Sea of Marmara. Tremors from the quake were felt not only in Istanbul but also across several neighbouring regions, prompting brief panic and evacuations as residents rushed out of buildings. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation for any aftershocks or structural damage.