Shaking in Istanbul

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake rattled Istanbul and surrounding areas in turkey on Wednesday, sending residents into a panic. While initial reports indicated no major structural damage, at least 236 people were treated for injuries, primarily resulting from falls or panic attacks. Istanbul, a city of 16 million, is considered at high risk for a major earthquake.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake had a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (approximately 6 miles), with its epicenter located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara.

The quake was felt in neighboring provinces, including Tekirdag, Yalova, Bursa, Balikesir, and the coastal city of Izmir, roughly 550 kilometers (340 miles) south of Istanbul. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that the earthquake lasted 13 seconds and was followed by over 100 aftershocks, the strongest of which measured 5.9 in magnitude.

Injuries and Immediate Response

“A total of 236 citizens were affected by panic attacks and from falls or from jumping,” said Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu, noting that 173 injuries occurred in Istanbul, with the remainder in surrounding provinces.Officials stated that only one building, a derelict structure in the city’s historic Fatih district, collapsed.

In the immediate aftermath,many residents sought safety in parks,schoolyards,and other open spaces,fearing further building collapses or subsequent earthquakes. Some even set up tents in parks.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the nation on National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, stating, “Thank God, there does not seem to be any problems for now. May God protect our country and our people from all kinds of calamities,disasters,accidents and troubles.”

Leyla Ucar, a personal trainer, recounted her experience on the 20th floor of a building: “We shook incredibly. It threw us around,we couldn’t understand what was happening,we didn’t think of an earthquake at first because of the shock,” she said. “It was very scary.”

Senol Sari, 51, described fleeing his third-floor apartment with his children: “I was with my children in the living room of their third floor apartment when I heard a loud noise and the building started shaking. Thay fled to a nearby park where they “waited for it to pass,” Sari said.

While they later returned home, sari expressed ongoing concerns: “Our concerns continue,” he said, fearing a stronger earthquake could strike the city in the future.

Fleeing for Safety

Cihan Boztepe, 40, evacuated his family to the streets to avoid potential building collapse. Standing beside his child, Boztepe, who lived near the epicenter of the devastating 2023 earthquakes, said that Wednesday’s tremor felt weaker.

“At first we were shaken, then it stopped, then we were shaken again,” he said. “My children were a little scared, but I wasn’t. We quickly gathered our things and went down to a safe place.”

Education Minister Yusuf Tekin announced the closure of schools in Istanbul for Thursday and Friday. He added, “In line with the need for a safe space, our school gardens are open to the use of all our citizens.”

Turkey’s Earthquake Vulnerability and Urban Planning

Turkey is located in a seismically active region, crossed by two major fault lines, making earthquakes frequent occurrences.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake on Feb. 6, 2023, and a subsequent powerful tremor, resulted in over 53,000 deaths in Turkey and widespread destruction of buildings across 11 southern and southeastern provinces. In neighboring Syria, approximately 6,000 people died.

Even though Istanbul was spared from the direct impact of the 2023 earthquake, the disaster amplified existing anxieties about the city’s vulnerability due to its proximity to fault lines.

In response, the national government and local administrations initiated urban reconstruction projects aimed at reinforcing vulnerable buildings and demolishing those deemed at risk of collapse. These efforts have been met with mixed reactions, as some residents worry about displacement and the disruption of historical neighborhoods.

Istanbul’s Jailed Mayor Responds

Ekrem Imamoglu,the mayor of Istanbul,who was jailed last month on corruption charges,issued a statement through his lawyers,expressing his concern for the city’s residents.

“As managers and urban planners who have dedicated their lives to disaster-focused planning in Istanbul and who have struggled for this purpose, my greatest sadness is that we can’t be with you,” the mayor’s statement read.

Many view the mayor’s arrest as politically motivated, considering him a key rival to President Erdogan. The government maintains the courts operate independently.

Following the earthquake, long lines formed at gas stations as residents sought to evacuate Istanbul.Emre Senkay, one resident, stated, “My plan is to leave Istanbul if there is a more serious earthquake.”

Earthquake Preparedness in the United States: A Comparative Viewpoint

The events in Istanbul serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness, a challenge not unique to Turkey. Cities across the United States, notably those in California, the Pacific Northwest, and along the New Madrid Seismic Zone, face important seismic risks.

The Great ShakeOut earthquake drills, held annually across the U.S., aim to educate the public on how to respond during an earthquake. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also provides resources and guidance on earthquake preparedness, including building retrofitting and creating emergency plans.

Though, challenges remain. Many older buildings in U.S. cities are not up to current seismic codes, and retrofitting can be expensive. Public awareness and individual preparedness also need betterment. A 2024 survey by the Insurance Facts Institute found that less than half of homeowners in earthquake-prone areas have earthquake insurance.

One argument against aggressive earthquake preparedness measures in the U.S. is the cost. Retrofitting infrastructure, enforcing stricter building codes, and conducting widespread public education campaigns require significant investment. Critics argue that these resources could be better allocated to other pressing needs. Though,studies consistently demonstrate that the cost of preparedness is far less than the economic and social devastation caused by a major earthquake.

for example, the 1994 Northridge earthquake in California caused an estimated $20 billion in direct damage and $40 billion in economic losses. A similar earthquake today would likely cause significantly more damage, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures.

FAQ: Earthquake Preparedness

What should I do during an earthquake?

Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you are outside, move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.

How can I prepare my home for an earthquake?

Secure heavy furniture to walls, store flammable liquids in secure containers, and know how to shut off gas and water valves. Consider retrofitting your home if it is not up to current seismic codes.

What should be in my earthquake emergency kit?

Your kit should include at least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, a whistle, dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape for shelter, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation, a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, a can opener for food, local maps, and a cell phone with a charger.

Is earthquake insurance necessary?

If you live in an area with a high risk of earthquakes, earthquake insurance is highly recommended. Standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically do not cover earthquake damage.

where can I find more information on earthquake preparedness?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) are excellent resources for information on earthquake preparedness and safety.