A powerful earthquake occurs in Turkey: destruction, cracks, and panic on the streets
On April 23, Turkey experienced an extraordinary natural disaster—a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2, which caused widespread resonance in the region. Residents of several cities along the Marmara coast, including Istanbul, Kocaeli, Yalova, Tekirdağ, Bursa, and Sakarya, felt the unusual tremors. The epicenter of the underground shocks was located near the coast, making the event particularly perceptible for numerous inhabitants and infrastructure objects. According to İmece Gazetesi, the earthquake, which struck like lightning deep within the earth, caused brief panic among the population. People in various cities quickly left their homes and went outside, seeking a safe place. Fortunately, no reports of serious injuries or casualties have been received so far. However, the structural elements of buildings have already developed initial cracks, and some old structures have sustained damage—causing concern among regional authorities and safety specialists. Local authorities immediately stated that there is no tsunami risk in the Marmara Sea area at this time. Following the seismic activity, mobile operator companies temporarily recommended citizens to use text messages and mobile applications for communication—due to high traffic and overload on the lines. Authorities in Istanbul, as well as regional governor’s offices, confirmed that damage assessment work is already underway and that all necessary services have reconfigured their resources for swift response in case the situation worsens. The head of Istanbul’s municipal executive committee and the regional governor assured residents that local authorities are making maximum efforts to assess the signs of destruction and provide prompt assistance to affected people. At the same time, experts warn that it is currently Difficult to say whether this earthquake was a precursor to a stronger and more dangerous underground shock. They have called on the population to stay alert for possible aftershocks and follow safety recommendations. Citizens, in particular, have been warned about the importance of having a supply of essential items, being ready for evacuation, and monitoring developments through official information sources. Local authorities emphasize that all services are operating in emergency mode and working today to minimize the adverse effects of the natural disaster and prevent additional risks. Considering the scale of the event, residents are reminded of the importance of following earthquake safety guidelines—from finding a safe location to closing doors and windows, as well as exercising caution around damaged buildings. All these measures highlight the seriousness of the situation and the necessity of utmost caution in the short term. The team of specialists and relevant services emphasizes the importance of staying calm and uniting efforts during these challenging times.