A strong Earthquake shook Istanbul on Tuesday afternoon, generating widespread panic and casualties in various areas. The Sea of Marmara was the epicentre of the 6.3-magnitude earthquake that shook the city for approximately a minute. Individuals across the urban area experienced the earthquakes, and many promptly evacuated buildings due to fears of aftershocks and building collapse.
Fear Spreads
Locals acted promptly to the earthquake. Multitudes flocked out onto the streets, vacating houses, offices, shopping centres, and public transport systems. People cried, screamed, and searched for relatives in various neighbourhoods. Vehicles stopped in the road, individuals left their cars to find open ground, parents hugged their children, and older people supported themselves on strangers. The city was brimming with terror as the people waited for aftershocks.
Injuries
Over 600 injuries were immediately reported by Istanbul’s hospitals and emergency responders. Most of the injuries were from glass fractures, falling objects, and wall collapses. Concrete fragments, plaster, and loose signage in dense neighbourhoods hit bystanders. Emergency medical crews treated patients with brain trauma, lacerations, broken bones, and consequences of panic attacks. Paramedics rushed the seriously hurt to trauma centres within minutes following the earthquake.
Emergency Assistance
Istanbul’s emergency response network went live in a few seconds. Authorities deployed municipal police, firefighters, paramedics, and search and rescue teams citywide. Authorities coordinated efforts and established command centres near the epicentre using Istanbul’s Disaster Coordination Centre (AKOM). Ambulances fought through clogged roads to reach the wounded while helicopters monitored the devastation from the skies. To search for possible victims buried under the rubble, the authorities also dispatched drones and sniffing dogs.
Damage to Structures
Architects and engineers immediately began assessing the damage across the city. Many commercial and residential buildings exhibited structural collapse. Staircases collapsed, support columns cracked, and facades collapsed in older neighbourhoods like Fatih and Beyoğlu. Glass panes shattered, and dust clouds blocked narrow streets in modern skyscrapers. To avoid re-entry, authorities put up perimeter tape around high-risk zones and evacuated buildings that showed apparent damage.
Networks of Transportation
Istanbul’s transport system was brought to a standstill by the earthquake. To examine overhead tracks and tunnels, metro lines ceased service at once. some stations saw damage to ceilings.
The first shake derailed a couple of railway carriages, and the quake damaged ceilings at some stations. Drivers panicked and left their vehicles in mad traffic jams that blocked roads. Engineers inspected piers and infrastructure for damage, while authorities temporarily suspended ferry and tram services during this time.
Conversation
The surge in traffic was more than the telecommunications infrastructure could cope with. Thousands were denied communication with family members as a consequence of mobile networks crashing under the weight of call volume. Power outages and server damage knocked out internet service in several areas. Overload made city alert systems and emergency programs hold up on sending messages. These communication breaks compounded the confusion and concern.
Public Alerts
People were told to stay in open areas and not go back indoors until further inspection by the Istanbul Governor’s Office. Throughout the day, authorities reassured people and gave information at a series of press conferences. Authorities responsible for civil defence warned about potential aftershocks and requested residents to stay alert, have go-bags ready, and keep clean water in stock.
Areas of Emergency
As temporary shelters, the government opened schoolyards, public parks, mosques, and stadiums. Volunteers from disaster relief organizations distributed blankets, tents, hot meals, and water. Families huddled together in makeshift shelters, covering older people with donated blankets and dressing the children in jackets. For those suffering from shock and trauma, community centres offer psychological counselling.
Suspend Activity
Examinations were suspended and all schools were shut down with immediate effect, the Ministry of Education said. Companies suspended operations to enable the recovery of personnel and assessment of the damage. Campuses of universities that are already structurally unsound have been shut down until further notice. Office workers and students flowed out of buildings during the earthquake, and they remained in open areas for hours afterwards.
Global Assistance
World leaders, humanitarian organizations, and international embassies all rallied behind Turkey. Middle Eastern, Asian, and European Union countries dispatched medical aid, rescue teams, and technical support. The UN and Red Crescent coordinated resources to assist displaced families and improve Turkey’s capacity for emergency response.
