More than 150 people injured after jumping out of their houses during earthquake

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said today that the 6.2-magnitude earthquake occurred at 12:59 on April 23 (about 5:00 p.m. Hanoi time), at a depth of nearly 7 kilometers and lasted 13 seconds in the Marmara Sea, south of Istanbul. Istanbul later recorded 51 aftershocks, the largest of which was 5.9 magnitude, but did not cause significant damage.

However, the Istanbul Governor's office said 151 people were injured as they tried to escape by jumping from buildings in panic. These people were taken to hospital for treatment and none of the victims were in critical condition.

Location of earthquake in Turkey on April 23. Graphic: USGS

"It started with a sudden big tremor. We felt it very strong. I ran to my dog ​​who was shaking with fear, hugged it and waited for the earthquake to pass. Then I grabbed my belongings and ran straight out into the street," said Istanbul resident Neslisah Aygoren.

Many people gathered in parks or stood outside buildings as aftershocks continued following the earthquake. An abandoned building in central Istanbul collapsed, but no casualties were reported.

Local officials have not yet reported damage to energy, water or transport infrastructure in the city of 16 million. Some shops have closed.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on X that he was monitoring the situation and his office had also issued recommendations to citizens on what to do if further earthquakes occur.

People flock to a park after an earthquake in Istanbul, Turkey on April 23. Photo: AFP

Two years ago, southern Türkiye and northern Syria were hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that killed more than 55,000 people and injured more than 107,000. Hundreds of thousands were displaced and many still live in temporary housing after the earthquake that year.

Istanbul city recorded a strong earthquake that killed 17,000 people in 1999.

Source: https://baodaknong.vn/hon-150-nguoi-bi-thuong-vi-nhay-khoi-nha-giua-dong-dat-250437.html