Uzbek citizen dies from heart failure due to earthquake fear in Istanbul

An Uzbek citizen residing in Istanbul tragically passed away from heart failure after becoming severely frightened during the earthquake that struck the Turkish capital on April 23, 2025.

The Uzbek Consulate in Istanbul confirmed the death, Caliber.Az reports.

"On April 23, 2025, our fellow citizen, who had been living in Istanbul, died of heart failure. Preliminary information suggests that the tragedy occurred as a result of the individual experiencing intense fear during the earthquake," the statement from the consulate read.

Diplomatic efforts are underway to repatriate the deceased's body to Uzbekistan.

Notably, on April 23, 2025, Istanbul was struck by a series of earthquakes, the strongest measuring 6.2 in magnitude. The tremor, which occurred at 13:39 local time off the coast of Silivri in the Sea of Marmara, lasted for approximately 10 seconds and caused widespread panic across the city.

The seismic activity began earlier at 13:13 with a 3.9-magnitude quake, followed by 47 aftershocks within three hours, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). A total of 127 aftershocks have been recorded, with depths ranging from 6 to 15 kilometres, mainly affecting the Silivri and Büyükçekmece districts.

Although no fatalities were reported, 236 people were injured, primarily due to jumping from heights in panic. One abandoned building in the Fatih district collapsed, but no casualties were recorded. Essential services, including electricity, water, gas, and sewage, remained unaffected.

By Aghakazim Guliyev