Monday December 4, 2023
ISTANBUL, Türkiye (HOL) – A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Marmara Sea's Gemlik Bay, near Bursa province, early Monday morning, sending tremors across the region, including Istanbul, Türkiye's largest city. The earthquake, occurring at a depth of approximately 8.98 kilometres (5.58 miles) below the sea surface, was followed three minutes later by a 4.5 magnitude aftershock, as reported by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
Residents in Istanbul felt the quake's effects, with walls shaking on both the Asian and European sides of the metropolis. Television footage and AFP correspondents captured scenes of people evacuating their homes for safety, though no immediate injuries or significant damages were reported.
Bursa Governor Mahmut Demirtaş, speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), assured, "So far, we have not received any negative news from Mudanya and Gemlik. However, our teams are actively present in the field." This response highlights the region's swift action and preparedness in the wake of seismic events.
The earthquake's proximity to the North Anatolian Fault, one of the world's most active fault lines, underscores the ongoing risk faced by the region. Istanbul, home to over 16 million people, has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, most notably the 7.6 magnitude quake in 1999 that claimed over 17,000 lives.
This event comes months after southeastern Türkiye was hit by two major earthquakes, leading to over 50,000 fatalities and widespread destruction. These earthquakes have heightened awareness and led to increased efforts in earthquake preparedness and infrastructure resilience in Türkiye, especially in densely populated areas like Istanbul.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with emergency services and disaster response teams on high alert. The public is encouraged to stay updated through official channels and follow safety guidelines in anticipation of potential aftershocks or seismic activities.