The city of Istanbul, Turkey, has been shaken by a series of powerful earthquakes, leaving hundreds injured and raising concerns about the safety of tourists and residents alike. In the aftermath of the earthquakes, which struck before 1 pm local time on Wednesday, the Turkish government has confirmed that 151 people were injured, including many who jumped from buildings to escape the shaking.
- Earthquake Details
- • A 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit the coast of the Silivri district around 12.49 pm local time (10.49 pm BST)
- • The epicentre was 40km south of Istanbul, around 10km beneath the Sea of Maramara
- • The quake sent shockwaves through the city, which is home to a fifth of Turkey’s population
- • The shocks were felt as far as Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania
- • The quake sent shockwaves through the city, which is home to a fifth of Turkey’s population
The earthquakes were felt throughout the city, with many residents and tourists experiencing the powerful shaking. The Turkish government has confirmed that there were no serious injuries, but many people were left shaken and in need of medical attention.
Scientists have been warning for years that a major earthquake could strike Istanbul, due to the city’s proximity to major fault lines. In fact, a series of massive earthquakes in 2023 killed over 55,000 people in southeastern Turkey and neighbouring Syria.
In a post on X, Turkish geologist Naci Görür said that he believes the tremors are not the big earthquakes experts have long feared. He called on the government to do more to prepare Istanbul for potential disasters, saying that the events place added stress on the Kumburgaz faultline, making it more likely to break.
The Turkish government has been working to fortify buildings and prepare for potential disasters, but it seems that the earthquakes have highlighted the need for more urgent action. The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for British citizens, advising them to follow advice from local authorities, tour operators, and accommodation providers. The Foreign Office also warns of unrest linked to demonstrations and protests that have taken place across the country in recent weeks.
- Travel Advice
- • The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism
- • The Foreign Office advises British nationals to stay vigilant when abroad
- • The Foreign Office is’monitoring’ the ongoing situation in Turkey and keeps its travel advice under ‘constant review’
If you are caught in an earthquake abroad, the Foreign Office says you should drop to the ground, cover your head, and hold on to something stationary. If you are inside a building, you are advised to stay where you are and avoid sheltering under door frames. If you are near the ocean, you should move to higher ground.
In the aftermath of the earthquakes, many tourists and residents are left wondering if it is safe to travel to Istanbul. While the Turkish government has confirmed that there were no serious injuries, the earthquakes have highlighted the need for more urgent action to prepare for potential disasters. As one tourist said, “I’m not sure if it’s safe to travel to Istanbul right now. The earthquakes have left me feeling shaken and uncertain about the future.” Another tourist added, “I’m planning to cancel my trip and wait until the situation improves.”
The earthquakes have raised concerns about the safety of tourists and residents alike, and it is essential to stay informed and follow local advice. If you are planning to travel to Istanbul, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest information and advice from the Turkish government and local authorities.
The earthquakes have also raised concerns about the long-term effects on the city and its residents. The Turkish government has been working to fortify buildings and prepare for potential disasters, but it seems that the earthquakes have highlighted the need for more urgent action. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to stay informed and follow local advice. The earthquakes have left many people feeling shaken and uncertain about the future, and it is crucial to stay calm and take necessary precautions.
