A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye on Wednesday, with the epicentre being Istanbul’s Silivri district, the country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said.

The quake hit at 12.49 local time and was felt strongly across Istanbul, home to over 15 million people, and neighbouring provinces, prompting residents to flee buildings in fear.

Another earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck at 1.02 pm, with the epicentre off the coast of Büyükçekmece in the Sea of ​​Marmara.

The Istanbul Governor’s Office reported that no destruction has been recorded so far following the 6.2 magnitude earthquake, but field assessments are ongoing. Citizens were advised to stay out of damaged or potentially unsafe buildings, avoid unnecessary vehicle use, and limit mobile phone use to emergencies.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “I extend my good wishes to our citizens, we are closely monitoring the developments.”

Following the earthquakes that struck Istanbul, President Ersin Tatar and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel issued messages of solidarity with Türkiye.

President Tatar expressed concern shared by the Turkish Cypriot people and noted relief that no loss of life or destruction had been reported so far.

Prime Minister Üstel conveyed well-wishes to Türkiye and emphasized the TRNC’s readiness to provide any necessary support during this difficult time.