Earthquake of 5 magnitude jolts Istanbul, residents rush to safety in Turkey's largest city

An earthquake of 5.0 magnitude strikes Turkey on Thursday (Oct 2). The tremors were felt in the capital city of Istanbul, and people living in the area rushed to open spaces and streets. News agency Reuters quotes the AFAD disaster agency as saying the tremor was centred in the Marmara Sea which is located in the southwest of Istanbul. The earthquake happened at 2:55 pm local time along a fault line which has long been regarded as a danger for the city which houses nearly 16 million people.

Earthquake revives horrific memory from 2023

Turkey had suffered from one of the most horrific earthquake disasters nearly two years ago when a magnitude 7.8 quake caused huge loss of lives and properties. Nearly 53,000 people were killed according to reports in the earthquake which impacted 11 southern and southeastern provinces of the country. Thousands of building were destroyed or damaged completely in the disaster for which entire world sent aids and helped in rescue operations.

Turkeys neighbouring country of Syria was also affected by the same and nearly 6,000 people had died in various regions across the northern part of the country.

Is Turkey prone to earthquakes?

Turkey, which is geographically situated at the rendezvous of Asia and Europe, sits atop of major fault lines and hence frequent earthquakes continue to hit the region. In August earlier this year, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake had hit Sindirgi in the northwestern province of Balikesir. While only one person died in the incident, dozens were left injured. The region of Balikesir has since seen multiple low magnitude shocks.

Istanbul was also hit by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in April this year in one of the strongest tremors felt by the city. While no one died, nearly 150 people were left injured when they tried to jump off from the buildings to save themselves.