Published: 20:35, April 24, 2025
Over 100,000 Istanbul residents spend night outside after 6.2-magnitude earthquake
By Xinhua

Local residents wait in a park in Istanbul on April 23, 2025, following an initial quake at 12:49 pm (0949 GMT) followed by three others of with magnitudes of 4.4 to 4.9. (PHOTO / AFP)

ISTANBUL - More than 100,000 Istanbul residents spent the night outside their homes for fear of aftershocks after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the city on Wednesday, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul on Thursday, Yerlikaya said a total of 101,000 citizens were provided temporary shelter in mosques, schools, and dormitories across the city. He added that meals were distributed through mobile catering units and tents to support those affected.

ALSO READ: Powerful earthquake of 6.2 magnitude shakes in Istanbul

A total of 266 aftershocks have been recorded in the city as of 9:00 am local time (0600 GMT) on Thursday. According to Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum, no residential buildings in the city collapsed, except for one abandoned building in the Fatih district.

Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu reported that 60 people are currently receiving treatment in hospitals for injuries sustained in panic or from jumping from buildings during the quake. He had earlier stated that a total of 236 individuals had been injured, and no fatalities had been reported.

READ MORE: Türkiye's quake survivors yearn for housing as winter sets in

The earthquake's epicenter was located in the Marmara Sea, just off the coast of Istanbul.