Earthquakes hit Turkey’s largest city Istanbul

Several earthquakes have hit Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, with the strongest having a magnitude of 6.2.

This morning’s tremors were also felt in the Turkish capital of Ankara, 275 miles away.

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Turkey – also known as Türkiye – to say: “A 6.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul, on 23 April 2025. For the latest information, visit Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority’s (AFAD) earthquake page.

“Follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media.  See the US Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.”

It noted how many parts of Turkey regularly experience earthquakes and tremors, which can be “a high magnitude, cause damage to infrastructure, and pose a risk to life”.

A BBC report said that no significant damage has been reported so far but added: “Officials say at least 151 people are injured after jumping from heights in fear.”

A report by Sky News said: “Residents were urged to stay away from buildings and reports said the earthquake was felt in several neighbouring provinces - and in the city of Izmir, some 550km (340 miles) south of Istanbul.”

Picture of Istanbul by AlexAnton/Shutterstock