On April 23, 2025, at 12:49 p.m., a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Silivri in the Sea of Marmara. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) identified the epicenter approximately 23 kilometers off the coast of Istanbul’s Silivri district, with the quake occurring at a depth of 6.92 kilometers beneath the seabed.

_{Footage of the moment of the earthquake captured on camera, April 23, 2025 – TRT Haber}

Boğaziçi University’s Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute recorded the magnitude at 6.1. The tremor was felt across Istanbul and in neighboring provinces including Tekirdağ, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Düzce, Yalova, Bursa, and Edirne. It was particularly perceptible along the coastal belt of the Marmara Region, prompting many residents to move to open areas.

Foreshocks and Aftershocks

Numerous seismic events were recorded before and after the main 6.2-magnitude earthquake that struck the Sea of Marmara on April 23, 2025. Prior to the mainshock, a foreshock measuring 3.9 occurred at 12:13 p.m. in the same offshore region.

Within the first hour following the main earthquake, a series of aftershocks exceeding magnitude 4 were recorded. These included tremors measuring 4.4 off the coast of Büyükçekmece at 12:51 p.m., 4.8 at 1:01 p.m., and 4.5 and 4.9 at 1:02 p.m. According to data from Boğaziçi University’s Kandilli Observatory, several additional aftershocks occurred throughout the day, ranging in magnitude from 3.5 to 4.9.

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported that, as of 3:12 p.m. on April 23, a total of 51 aftershocks had been recorded in and around Istanbul. These quakes occurred at depths ranging from approximately 6 to 15 kilometers below the Earth's surface.

Authorities noted that such aftershocks are part of a normal seismic sequence and that additional perceptible earthquakes may continue in the region over the following days. AFAD urged the public to stay away from structurally compromised buildings and to rely solely on official sources for information.

Public Response and Evacuation Procedures

Following the earthquake on April 23, 2025, a significant shift toward open spaces was observed across Istanbul and surrounding provinces due to the strong seismic impact. As the tremors were felt, evacuations were carried out from residential buildings, workplaces, schools, and government facilities. Citizens gathered in parks, public squares, and designated assembly areas.

In districts such as Taksim, Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, Kadıköy, Bağcılar, and Silivri, large crowds were observed in areas like Bağcılar Millet Bahçesi, the Beşiktaş coastline, and Taksim Square. Temporary evacuation protocols were implemented at shopping malls, university campuses, government buildings, and public transit stations. Citywide traffic congestion increased, and the flow of vehicles slowed on major thoroughfares. According to data released by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, urban traffic density reached up to 76% in the immediate aftermath of the quake. During the incident, passengers on public transportation vehicles were temporarily evacuated, and some services were briefly suspended.

Status of Healthcare Services and Injury Assessment

Following the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that struck on April 23, 2025, no fatalities directly attributable to the seismic event were reported in Istanbul. However, a number of secondary injuries occurred, primarily resulting from panic-induced behaviors such as jumping from elevated positions and falling while fleeing.

According to the Ministry of Health, a total of 236 individuals sustained injuries linked to secondary causes: 173 in Istanbul, 24 each in Tekirdağ and Sakarya, 13 in Bursa, and 2 in Yalova. The majority of these cases were attributed to accidental falls, panic-driven reactions, and attempts to escape through hazardous means. Of the injured, 221 were treated and discharged, while 15 remained under inpatient care. None of the injuries were deemed life-threatening.

In one reported incident, a 79-year-old resident of the Kemalpaşa neighborhood in Istanbul’s Küçükçekmece district fell and sustained a head injury while attempting to evacuate, necessitating hospitalization.

Health-related emergency calls received by the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate and the 112 Emergency Call Center were promptly addressed by designated response teams. Both hospital personnel and field responders were mobilized in accordance with emergency contingency protocols. The National Medical Rescue Team and 112 emergency units were placed on high alert, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services across Istanbul and neighboring provinces.

Preliminary assessments conducted by the Ministry of Health indicated no disruptions to the operational capacity of public hospitals. Nonetheless, all healthcare facilities underwent reinspection, and the status of critical emergency medical infrastructure was comprehensively reviewed.

Infrastructure and Transportation Status

Initial technical assessments conducted at transportation and infrastructure facilities revealed no damage that would compromise structural integrity. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure reported that no permanent physical damage had been identified in either urban or intercity transportation networks.

Inspections of road surfaces and viaducts confirmed the absence of structural impairments. In rail-based systems—including metro, tram, and funicular lines—services were temporarily suspended as a precaution. Operations resumed gradually following the completion of inspections in accordance with established protocols. Cable car lines and elevator systems at stations were also deactivated temporarily during the inspection process. Operational assessments at Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airports found no safety hazards in critical areas such as runways, taxiways, aprons, or terminals.

Citywide evaluations of essential utility infrastructure—including potable water networks, sewage systems, natural gas pipelines, and electrical grids—indicated no leaks, malfunctions, or disruptions that would hinder continuous service. Technical teams affiliated with municipal authorities, along with relevant public agencies, continue to monitor and assess infrastructure systems to ensure operational stability.

Official Statements and Coordination Activities

In the aftermath of the earthquake, coordination efforts were initiated between central and local government authorities. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) announced that, under the framework of the Türkiye Disaster Response Plan, representatives from various emergency groups had been deployed to the Disaster and Emergency Coordination Center in Ankara. Field assessments and crisis management operations were led by the Istanbul Governor’s Office.

Within Istanbul, the Provincial AFAD Directorate, Provincial Police Department, Gendarmerie Command, and district governorates established crisis coordination units to facilitate damage assessment, information flow, and logistical support. The crisis response was directed under the leadership of Istanbul Governor Davut Gül. Field operations were conducted by teams from the Ministries of Interior, Health, Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and Transport and Infrastructure, each within their respective jurisdictions. Coordination was maintained between local administrative bodies and central government agencies throughout the response process.

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) and the Presidential Directorate of Communications issued advisories urging media organizations to rely solely on official sources and to refrain from disseminating sensational or unverified information.

Education, Social, and Digital Services

The Ministry of National Education reported that no major structural damage had been identified in school buildings. Schoolyards were opened to the public as designated emergency assembly points. All primary and secondary schools, as well as both public and foundation universities across Istanbul, suspended classes on April 24 and 25. Public sector employees who are disabled, pregnant, veterans, or caregivers of children under the age of 10 were granted administrative leave for the same period. Personnel in health and security services were excluded from this provision.

The Ministry of Family and Social Services deployed psychosocial support teams to provide assistance in affected areas. The National Cyber Incident Response Center (USOM) and the Mobile Telecommunication Operators Association (m-TOD) issued advisories encouraging citizens to use SMS and internet-based messaging applications in place of voice calls to ease pressure on mobile networks.

Aerial Surveillance Operations

Following the earthquake, unmanned aerial vehicles were deployed over Istanbul for surveillance purposes. Bayraktar AKINCI, developed by Baykar, conducted flights aimed at imagery collection and data acquisition. These platforms were tasked with supporting damage assessment and security monitoring operations.

Temporary Shelter Measures and Social Support Activities

Following the earthquake, temporary accommodation efforts were organized across İstanbul to meet the emerging shelter needs. According to a statement by Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya, shelter requests for more than 101,000 citizens were fulfilled. In this context, sports halls, national gardens (millet bahçeleri), social facilities, and public open spaces throughout the city were designated as temporary accommodation sites.

_{Some citizens gathered at Bahçelievler Municipality's event tent to spend the night after the earthquakes, April 23, 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

To ensure that citizens affected by the earthquake were directed to safe areas, cooperation was established between the İstanbul Governorship, the Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate (AFAD), and local municipalities. The Turkish Red Crescent (Türk Kızılay) set up tent areas in various districts, notably in Pendik and Zeytinburnu, and provided essential food and beverage services through mobile kitchens.

The basic needs of citizens who spent the night outdoors in places such as Abide-i Hürriyet Park (Şişli), Piyalepaşa Boulevard (Beyoğlu), Nazım Hikmet Park (Esenyurt), Belgradkapı Social Facilities (Zeytinburnu), the courtyard of Kasımpaşa Büyük Piyale Paşa Mosque, and other open areas were met through cooperation between public institutions and non-governmental organizations. Some citizens preferred to stay overnight in their vehicles. Due to cold weather conditions, fires were lit at some locations to provide warmth.

The Course of Aftershocks and Seismic Activity (April 24–26, 2025)

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) announced on April 24, 2025, that a total of 266 aftershocks had been recorded across İstanbul and its surrounding areas. Most of these aftershocks were between magnitudes 0 and 4.

According to an update provided on the morning of April 25, 2025, the total number of recorded aftershocks rose to 291. Of these, 283 aftershocks had magnitudes of 3.9 or lower, while 8 aftershocks were measured at magnitudes of 4.0 or higher. The majority of the aftershocks occurred off the coast of the Marmara Sea and near the southern shores of İstanbul. AFAD stated that aftershocks were expected to gradually subside in the coming days.

On April 25, 2025, a new earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 struck the Marmara Sea at 20:33, followed by two aftershocks measuring 3.5 at 21:06 and 3.7 at 21:07. These earthquakes were felt particularly in İstanbul’s Büyükçekmece, Bahçelievler, Sultangazi, Arnavutköy, and Küçükçekmece districts, prompting some citizens to leave their homes as a precaution. İstanbul Governor Davut Gül emphasized that aftershocks were part of a normal process and that no adverse incidents had been reported to the governorate thus far.

Post-Earthquake Risky Structure Inspections and Evacuation Processes in İstanbul

Following the earthquake, efforts to assess structural safety across İstanbul intensified. In particular, inspections in the Küçükçekmece district identified buildings deemed at risk. Based on citizen reports, Küçükçekmece Municipality teams initiated inspections of 570 structures, completing the evaluations of 140 buildings.

As a result of these inspections, a total of 9 buildings, including 3 blocks comprising 96 apartments located on Aziz Sancar Street in Fatih Neighborhood, were sealed and evacuated. Residents of these evacuated buildings stated that they had been removed without alternative housing being provided, expressing grievances about their situation. Municipal officials explained that the evacuation procedures were carried out in accordance with legal obligations requiring the clearing of risky buildings. Inspections of the remaining reported structures are continuing, coordinated by teams from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.

The Situation of Citizens Sheltering Outdoors and Social Support Services

Over the three days following the earthquake, many citizens continued to shelter in open areas across İstanbul. As of April 26, 2025, accommodation in national gardens (millet bahçeleri) and parks was ongoing in districts such as Esenyurt, Beylikdüzü, Bahçelievler, Zeytinburnu, Fatih, and Güngören.

_{Tents belonging to some citizens who spent the night outdoors in İstanbul due to earthquake concerns, April 26, 2025 – Anadolu Agency}

At the Güngören Güneştepe National Garden, many citizens stayed in tents they set up themselves, while those who could not find tents spent the night outdoors using blankets and quilts. Cleaning and security teams remained on duty throughout the night. Other areas such as Zeytinburnu Şehit Esra Tekin Hakan Tekin Park, Fatih Karasurları National Garden, and Bahçelievler Kuleli Park were also used for accommodation.

The Türkiye Diyanet Foundation provided hot soup in Kağıthane, while Turkish Red Crescent (Türk Kızılay) teams distributed tea, water, and sandwiches through mobile units. Additionally, Beylikdüzü Municipality opened the Covered Market–Sports Facility–Post-Disaster Shelter and Logistics Center for public use.

_{The Humanitarian Relief Foundation (İHH), which distributed hot soup to 2,000 people unable to return to their homes after the earthquake, April 24, 2025 – Anadolu Agency}

The Humanitarian Relief Foundation (İHH) also joined field efforts with 214 volunteers and a fleet of 60 vehicles, conducting evacuation and marking operations in districts such as Arnavutköy, Sefaköy, Avcılar, Küçükçekmece, and Fatih. İHH also served hot soup to 2,000 people spending the night outdoors. The İstanbul Governorship emphasized that aftershocks were a normal part of the seismic process and urged citizens to remain calm and follow safety guidelines.