47 earthquakes struck Istanbul in northwestern Turkey on Wednesday within three hours, the largest measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale. No casualties were reported, except for 150 people injured in panic-stricken jumping incidents.
According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), 46 other earthquakes occurred within three hours before and after the largest earthquake.
AFAD reported that eight earthquakes struck Istanbul within one hour on Wednesday, according to the website. According to information, a 3.9 magnitude earthquake occurred, followed by subsequent tremors within hours.
The AFAD noted that the earthquake, which was felt in neighboring provinces, occurred at a depth of 7.02 kilometers.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that no reports of houses or buildings collapsing as a result of the earthquake that struck Istanbul on Wednesday.
The minister said in an interview with the official TRT Haber channel that the earthquake’s epicenter was at a depth of between 6.9 and 7 kilometers, and that residents in Istanbul and surrounding areas felt it.
Yerlikaya stated that all relevant institutions are in constant contact, and that the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) teams are closely monitoring the situation and the effects of the earthquake.
He explained that most of the reports received so far relate to cracks in buildings, and that there are no cases requiring the intervention of search and rescue teams.
He also noted that there were minor injuries, such as falls while trying to escape, stressing the importance of citizens remaining calm and taking precautions against aftershocks.
He added that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is closely monitoring developments related to the earthquake.
