Quake Strikes Near Silivri, Causing Widespread Panic
On April 23, 2025, at 12:49 PM local time, a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Istanbul’s Silivri district, jolting the city and sending shockwaves across northwestern Turkey. The tremor, which lasted approximately 13 seconds, originated in the Sea of Marmara at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers and was felt as far away as Greece and Bulgaria.
Injuries and Structural Damage Spark Fear
While no fatalities have been reported so far, the earthquake left at least 186 people injured—most of them due to panic-induced reactions such as jumping from buildings. In Istanbul alone, 151 individuals sustained injuries of this nature. A derelict three-story structure collapsed in the historic Fatih district, and sporadic structural damage was reported elsewhere in the city.
Public transportation and airports remained operational, but several neighborhoods experienced temporary internet outages, adding to the chaos.
Aftershocks Raise Concerns of Larger Events
More than 50 aftershocks followed the initial quake, including two measuring 5.0 in magnitude. Seismologist Naci Görür warned that the quake may have increased stress along fault lines under the Sea of Marmara—raising fears of an even more devastating earthquake in the near future.
Political Tensions Amid Natural Disaster
The quake struck during a national holiday, intensifying public anxiety. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed relief at the minimal structural damage but emphasized the importance of preparedness. Meanwhile, Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who had spearheaded a major earthquake readiness initiative, was notably absent due to his recent controversial arrest—adding to public concern about leadership in times of crisis.
A City on a Fault Line: Historical Context and Ongoing Risks
Istanbul’s position near the North Anatolian Fault Zone makes it particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. Experts have warned of a 65% chance that a quake of magnitude 7.0 or higher could strike the region within the next 30 years. The 2025 tremor serves as a chilling reminder of the city’s ongoing risk and the urgent need for continued investment in disaster resilience.
Ongoing urban transformation projects aim to reinforce high-risk buildings and upgrade emergency response systems—but much work remains.
A Wake-Up Call for Istanbul
As residents recover and brace for potential aftershocks, this earthquake is a stark reminder of Istanbul’s seismic vulnerability. It underscores the importance of both individual preparedness and structural resilience in one of the world’s most earthquake-prone megacities.
