Istanbul, Apr 24: A powerful earthquake struck Istanbul on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 3:19 PM. The tremor, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, originated 10 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface, with its epicenter located in the Marmara Sea, around 40 kilometers southwest of Istanbul.

The earthquake was felt across neighboring countries, prompting widespread panic as residents rushed outdoors. Many office workers and locals evacuated buildings immediately, fearing structural damage. Major cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, experienced noticeable shaking.

According to reports, the tremors were strong enough to make buildings sway. While no casualties or severe property damage have been reported so far, officials have confirmed that several older structures have developed cracks.

Turkey, situated between two major fault lines, remains prone to seismic activity. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising residents to remain cautious.