Aftershocks Rock Istanbul: Majority of Citizens Spend Night Outdoors Following Earthquake
In Istanbul, following a potent earthquake and multiple aftershocks, many residents opted to spend the night outdoors rather than returning to their homes, nervously awaiting further tremors. Turkish media reports have indicated that locals took refuge in tents, on blankets and mattresses, some even in their vehicles. Mosques, school, and university gyms were opened for shelter.
Some inhabitants chose to depart Istanbul by car, heading towards nearby cities.
The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, made a visit to residents huddled outside their homes following the earthquake.
According to seismological data, 284 aftershocks were recorded in Istanbul within 19 hours after the primary earthquake, with the strongest registering magnitudes of 5.9 and 4.9.
Earthquake tremors resurfaced in the morning. The epicenter, as reported by Turkey's AFAD, was situated in the waters off Büyükçekmece, with a depth of 7 to 16.9 kilometers.
The Minister of Health and Interior of Turkey confirmed that the number of injuries resulting from the Istanbul earthquake had reached 236. All injuries were sustained as a result of panicked residents leaping from heights, and their condition is currently stable.
Istanbul is one of the most populous cities worldwide, with a population surpassing 15 million.
The looming threat of a subsequent major earthquake in Istanbul
The city is still vulnerable to another catastrophic earthquake with a massive magnitude.
"A large earthquake is like saying, 'I'm on my way, time's running out'," asserts seismologist, Professor Naci Görür.
He contends that the epicenter of the recent quake was within the Kumburgaz Fault Zone, which remains "locked," accumulating energy and periodically triggering weak ground movements.
He also emphasized that this earthquake underscores the threat of an imminent major disaster. He urges Turkish authorities to instantly initiate preparations for Istanbul, noting that there is no time left to squander.
However, seismologist Ahmet Erjan predicts that there is still time until the disaster. According to his calculations, the next major earthquake will occur between 2045 and 2075.
A devastating earthquake struck Istanbul on April 23 at 12:49 local time. According to data from Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), tremors were felt across several provinces, including Istanbul, Tekirdag, Yalova, Bursa, and Balikesir.
Earthquake live: Anchor's reaction caught on video
In the hours following the main earthquake in the Marmara Sea region, over 20 aftershocks occurred. Their magnitude ranged from 5.0 to 1.6.
Also read: Powerful earthquake in Istanbul: Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry makes a statement
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Turkey Istanbul Earthquake President's statement: 284 aftershocks in such a short time span is indeed alarming. May Allah not let us witness such a calamity. May the elements recede from them and not affect other nations and regions.
Seydahmet's message: Strength and resilience to our dear brothers and sisters in Turkey.
Mika's words: God, how frightening... before nature, man is but a mere insect. Do not provoke it by oppressing its creatures - animals - and waging war against each other. Life is short; we must coexist peacefully and harmoniously with all living beings on our planet ☮️☮️☮️
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- The seismological data shows that a total of 284 aftershocks were recorded in Istanbul within 19 hours following the April 23 earthquake, with the strongest registering magnitudes of 5.9 and 4.9.
- Professor Naci Görür, a seismologist, asserts that the recent earthquake occurred within the Kumburgaz Fault Zone, which is still "locked," accumulating energy and periodically triggering weak ground movements.
- Seismologist Ahmet Erjan predicts that there is still time until the next major earthquake in Istanbul, estimating that it will occur between 2045 and 2075.
- In the face of the looming threat of another catastrophic earthquake in Istanbul, Turkish authorities are urged to immediately initiate preparations and not squander any time.
