site.btaUPDATED 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Istanbul

An earthquake measuring 6.2 points on the Richter scale shook Istanbul and the surrounding area at 12:49 PM local time on Wednesday, Turkish media reported, quoting the country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).

The quake was preceded by a weaker one, measuring 3.9 points, which occurred in the same place at 12:13 PM.

The stronger quake caused panic in Istanbul. Many people sought safety away from their homes and workplaces, the Anadolu news agency reported.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said in a social media post that the jolt was epicentred in the town of Silivri, Istanbul Province, and was felt in neighbouring provinces. AFAD and other institutions sent crews to the scene to examine the situation, he said.

The 6.2 magnitude earthquake was followed by two 5 point jolts in the west of Turkiye, near the Sea of Marmara, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre.