Earthquake in Istanbul damaged hundreds of buildings, minister says

The Turkish Minister of Urban Development and Environment, Murat Kurum, has said that around 500 buildings were damaged following the earthquake that jolted Istanbul on April 23.

"According to the results of the damage assessment, 8,367 buildings in 39 districts of Istanbul were inspected, of which 437 sustained minor damage," the official said, adding that the damage assessment will continue, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

On April 23, 2025, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Istanbul, Türkiye, causing widespread panic but resulting in no major structural damage. The epicenter was located in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of the city center.  

Over 236 people were injured, primarily due to panic-induced falls and attempts to jump from buildings. None of the injuries were life-threatening. ​

The earthquake was followed by more than 50 aftershocks, with the strongest measuring 5.9 in magnitude. ​

At least 12 buildings were evacuated, and hundreds of structural damage reports were filed. One abandoned building in Istanbul's historic Fatih district collapsed. ​

More than 100,000 people sought refuge in temporary shelters, including parks and government-provided accommodations. ​

By Khagan Isayev