151 Injured in Panic and Jumping Incidents During Istanbul Earthquake: Governor's Office
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Synopsis
On April 23, the Istanbul Governor's Office reported that 151 individuals were injured due to panic and jumping incidents during a 6.2-magnitude earthquake. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported, and conditions are stable with ongoing assessments.
Key Takeaways
- 151 people injured during a 6.2-magnitude earthquake.
- No fatalities reported as of 3:30 p.m.
- One abandoned building collapsed in the Fatih district.
- Residents evacuated to parks and open spaces.
- Initial inspections showed no major infrastructure damage.
Istanbul, April 23 (NationPress) The Istanbul Governor's Office has announced that 151 individuals sustained injuries due to panic and incidents involving jumping from heights during a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that struck on Wednesday.
The injured are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals, with officials indicating that their conditions are not life-threatening. No fatalities have been reported as of 3:30 p.m. local time.
According to the Governor's office, there were no collapses of residential structures throughout the city, with the exception of one abandoned building located in the Fatih district.
There were also no interruptions to energy supply, natural gas distribution, or drinking water and sewage systems impacting daily life. Ongoing assessments are being conducted, as stated by the office.
In response to the earthquake, many residents fled to parks, schoolyards, and other open spaces to avoid potential building collapses or aftershocks, with some even setting up tents in the parks.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing an event for the National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, expressed relief that there seem to be no immediate issues, stating: "Thank God, there does not appear to be any problems for now. May God protect our country and our people from all kinds of calamities, disasters, accidents, and troubles."
President Erdogan received updates regarding the earthquake from the Interior Minister, Environment Minister, Health Minister, the head of AFAD, and the Governor of Istanbul, as per the Communications Directorate.
The earthquake was recorded at a depth of nearly 7 km (4.3 miles) and lasted for approximately 13 seconds, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu reported that initial inspections indicated no damage to highways, airports, trains, or subways.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency previously stated that the earthquake's epicenter was located in the Silivri district on the European side of Istanbul, in the Marmara Sea, at a depth of 6.92 km.
Turkey is prone to earthquakes due to its location along two major fault lines.
A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in February 2023 resulted in over 53,000 fatalities and the destruction or damage of countless buildings across southern and southeastern Turkey.
Additionally, around 6,000 people lost their lives in the northern regions of neighboring Syria.
While Istanbul largely escaped the destruction caused by that quake, concerns remain regarding the potential for a similarly catastrophic event in the future.
