Earthquakes in Istanbul on April 23, 2025

23 April 2025 at 12:49, a earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 occurred in the waters off Silivri in the Sea of Marmara. The Directorate of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD) determined the epicenter to be approximately 23 kilometers from Silivri district in İstanbul, beneath the seabed, and reported that the tremor occurred at a depth of 6.92 kilometers below the surface.

Boğaziçi University Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute measured the earthquake’s magnitude at 6.1. The tremor was felt across Istanbul and in surrounding provinces including Tekirdağ, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Düzce, Yalova, Bursa, and Edirne. The earthquake was widely felt along the coastal areas of the Marmara Region, prompting citizens to move to open spaces.

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

Within the first hour after the main earthquake, a series of aftershocks with magnitudes exceeding 4.0 were recorded. Specifically, at 12:51 a magnitude 4.4 aftershock occurred off Büyükçekmece, followed by magnitudes of 4.8 at 13:01, 4.5 and 4.9 at 13:02. According to data from Boğaziçi University Kandilli Observatory, numerous aftershocks with magnitudes ranging between 3.5 and 4.9 occurred on the same day.

The Directorate of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD) reported that by 15:12 on 23 April, a total of 51 aftershocks had been recorded in Istanbul and its surroundings. By 09:00 on 24 April 2025, a total of 266 aftershocks had been recorded. These earthquakes occurred at depths between approximately 6 and 15 kilometers beneath the Earth’s crust.

Authorities stated that these aftershocks are a normal part of the seismic process and that perceptible earthquakes may continue to occur in the region for several days. AFAD urged citizens to avoid buildings with potential structural damage and to rely solely on official sources for information.

Following the earthquake on 23 April 2025, a significant number of people in Istanbul and surrounding provinces moved to open areas due to the intense seismic impact. Evacuations occurred from residential buildings, workplaces, educational institutions, and public facilities, with citizens gathering in parks, squares, and designated assembly areas.

Crowds gathered in open areas such as Bağcılar National Garden, the Beşiktaş coastline, and Taksim Square in districts including Taksim, Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, Kadıköy, Bağcılar, and Silivri. Temporary evacuation protocols were implemented in shopping centers, university campuses, public service buildings, and public transport stations.

Urban traffic congestion increased significantly, with slowdowns observed on major arteries. According to data released by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, intra-city traffic congestion reached up to 76 percent after the tremor. Temporary evacuations and service suspensions were carried out on public transport vehicles in operation during the earthquake.

There were no direct fatalities resulting from the earthquake, but 236 people were injured due to panic-related incidents. According to data from the Ministry of Health, 173 injuries occurred in Istanbul, 24 each in Tekirdağ and Sakarya, 13 in Bursa, and 2 in Yalova. Most injuries resulted from jumping from heights, falling during panic, or leaping from balconies. Of the injured, 221 were discharged from hospitals; 15 remained under treatment.

In the Kemalpaşa neighborhood of Küçükçekmece district in Istanbul, a 79-year-old individual was reported to have fallen to the ground while attempting to flee, sustaining a head injury and being transported to hospital. Health-related reports received by the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate and the 112 Emergency Call Center were evaluated by relevant teams, and all personnel at hospitals and in the field were positioned according to emergency protocols. UMKE and 112 teams were placed on heightened alert, and health services in Istanbul and surrounding provinces continued without interruption.

The Ministry of Health reported that, based on initial assessments, no situation affecting the continuity of services in public hospitals was detected. Nevertheless, all hospitals were subjected to renewed inspections and emergency medical infrastructure was reviewed.

Initial technical inspections of transportation and infrastructure facilities revealed no conditions threatening structural integrity. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure announced that no permanent physical damage was observed in urban or intercity transportation systems.

Surface and viaduct inspections on roadways found no damage. In rail systems, particularly metro, tramway, and funicular lines, services were temporarily suspended and gradually resumed after inspections confirmed compliance with safety protocols. Cable car lines and elevator systems at stations were temporarily taken out of service during inspections.

Operational area inspections at Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airports reported no safety risks in runways, taxiways, aprons, or terminal areas.

Surveys of the city-wide drinking water infrastructure, sewage systems, natural gas transmission lines, and electrical networks detected no faults or leaks that would disrupt service continuity. Technical teams under municipal authorities and relevant public institutions continue monitoring infrastructure components.

Following the earthquake, a coordination process was initiated between central and local administrations. The Directorate of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD) announced that representatives of the disaster response group had relocated to the Disaster and Emergency Management Center in Ankara under the framework of the Turkey Disaster Intervention Plan (TAMP). Field survey activities and crisis management operations were conducted under the leadership of the Istanbul Governorate.

The Istanbul AFAD Provincial Directorate, along with the Provincial Police Directorate, Provincial Gendarmerie Command, and district governorships, established crisis tables for damage assessment, information sharing, and logistical support. Crisis management operations were coordinated under the chairmanship of Istanbul Governor Davut Gül.

The Ministries of Interior, Health, Transport and Infrastructure, Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change completed field inspections within their respective jurisdictions. The Ministry reported receiving 1,399 building reports, of which seven were found to have minor damage. RTÜK and the Presidency of Communication warned media outlets to share only information obtained from official sources.

The Ministry of National Education reported that no serious structural issues were detected in school buildings. Schoolyards were opened for public use as disaster assembly areas. Education was suspended in all primary and secondary schools, as well as in public and foundation universities across Istanbul on 24–25 April. Education was also suspended on 24 April in Tekirdağ, Kocaeli, and Yalova. Personnel in public institutions who were disabled, pregnant, disabled veterans, or had children under the age of 10 were granted administrative leave on the specified dates. Personnel assigned to health and security units were exempted from this arrangement.

The Ministry of Family and Social Services deployed psychosocial support teams. The National Cyber Incident Response Center (USOM) and the Mobile Telecommunications Operators Association (m-TOD) urged citizens to prioritize SMS and internet-based messaging applications for communication.

To support coordination efforts following the earthquake, national unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were deployed. Bayraktar AKINCI and Bayraktar TB2 UAVs developed by Baykar took off from Çorlu and Keşan and operated over Istanbul airspace. The Bayraktar AKINCI operated under the code “KAYI01,” while the TB2 UAVs operated under the flight codes “BAYKAR01” and “T464.” These UAVs were used for damage assessment, area scanning, and crisis coordination tasks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In response to the housing needs arising after the earthquake, temporary accommodation arrangements were implemented across İstanbul. According to a statement by Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya, over 101,000 citizens had their housing requests addressed. Within this framework, sports halls, millet bahçeleri, social facilities, and public open spaces were designated as temporary accommodation sites.

_{Following the earthquakes, some citizens gathered in the event tent of Bahçelievler Municipality to spend the night, 23 April 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

In coordination with the Istanbul Governorate and the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Disaster and Emergency Management, local administrations collaborated to direct affected citizens to safe areas. The Turkish Red Crescent established tent areas in various districts, primarily in Pendik and Zeytinburnu, and provided essential food and beverage support through mobile kitchens.

The needs of citizens spending the night in open areas such as Abide-i Hürriyet Park (Şişli), Piyalepaşa Boulevard (Beyoğlu), Nazım Hikmet Park (Esenyurt), Belgradkapı Social Facilities (Zeytinburnu), and the courtyard of Büyük Piyale Paşa Camii were met through cooperation between public institutions and civil society organizations. Some citizens chose to stay in their vehicles. In certain locations, fires were observed to be lit for heating purposes due to cold weather conditions.

The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) reported in its initial statement on April 24, 2025, that a total of 266 aftershocks had been recorded in İstanbul and its surroundings. The majority of these shocks had magnitudes between 0 and 4.

According to an update as of April 25, 2025, the total number of recorded aftershocks had risen to 291. Of these, 283 aftershocks measured 3.9 or lower, while 8 measured 4.0 or higher. Most aftershocks occurred offshore in the Sea of Marmara and in areas near the southern coast of İstanbul. AFAD stated that the aftershocks are expected to gradually decrease and cease in the coming days.

_{Infographic on the new earthquake in the Sea of Marmara, 25 April 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

On April 25, 2025, a new earthquake of magnitude 4.3 struck the Sea of Marmara at 20:33, followed by two aftershocks of magnitudes 3.5 and 3.7 at 21:06 and 21:07 respectively. The earthquakes were felt particularly in the İstanbul districts of Büyükçekmece, Bahçelievler, Sultangazi, Arnavutköy, and Küçükçekmece, prompting some residents to leave their homes as a precaution. İstanbul Governor Davut Gül stated that aftershocks are part of the normal process and that no adverse conditions had been reported to the governorship so far.

Following the earthquake, building safety assessments accelerated across İstanbul. Inspections in the Küçükçekmece district identified structures deemed hazardous. Küçükçekmece Municipality teams initiated inspections of 570 buildings based on citizen reports, completing assessments of 140 structures.

As a result of these inspections, a total of nine buildings, including three blocks with 96 apartments on Aziz Sancar Street in the Fatih neighborhood, were sealed and evacuated. Residents of the evacuated buildings stated they were displaced without prior arrangements for alternative accommodation and expressed their hardship. Municipal authorities explained that the evacuations were carried out in compliance with legal obligations requiring the clearance of hazardous structures. Inspections of remaining reports will be conducted by teams from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

In the three days following the earthquake, citizens across İstanbul sought shelter in open areas. As of April 26, 2025, temporary sheltering continues in public parks and municipal gardens in districts including Esenyurt, Beylikdüzü, Bahçelievler, Zeytinburnu, Fatih, and Güngören.

_{In Istanbul,earthquakeconcern led some citizens to spend the night outdoors; tents belonging to them, 26 April 2025 – Anadolu Agency}

At Güngören Güneştepe Municipal Garden, many citizens have set up tents for overnight stays; those unable to secure tents spent the night in open areas using blankets and quilts. Cleaning and security teams remained on duty throughout the night. Other areas used for shelter include Şehit Esra Tekin Hakan Tekin Park in Zeytinburnu, Karasurları Municipal Garden in Fatih, and Kuleli Park in Bahçelievler.

The Turkish Diyanet Foundation distributed hot soup in Kağıthane, while Turkish Red Crescent teams provided tea, water, and sandwiches via mobile units. Additionally, the Beylikdüzü Municipality opened the Kapalı Pazar-Sports Facility-Aftershock Shelter and Logistics Center for public use.

_{Depremin ardından evlerine gidemeyen 2 bin kişiye sıcak çorba dağıtan İnsan Hak ve Hürriyetleri (İHH) İnsani Yardım Vakfı, 24 Nisan 2025 - Anadolu Ajansı}

The İnsan Hak ve Hürriyetleri (İHH) Humanitarian Aid Foundation deployed a team of 214 volunteers and 60 vehicles to conduct field operations in İstanbul. İHH carried out evacuation and marking operations in the districts of Arnavutköy, Sefaköy, Avcılar, Küçükçekmece, and Fatih, and provided hot soup to 2,000 people spending the night in open areas. The İstanbul Governorate emphasized that aftershocks are part of the normal post-earthquake process and urged the public not to panic and to comply with safety precautions.

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 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.

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.

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.