An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 has struck Istanbul, according to information from the Turkish Disaster Management Agency.
There were no immediate reports of significant damage in the city of 16 million people.
More than 150 people were taken to hospitals with injuries sustained while trying to leave the buildings, according to the Istanbul Governor's Office.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake's epicenter was shallow, about six miles deep.
The epicenter was approximately 25 miles southwest of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara.
The event was followed by several aftershocks, one of which had a magnitude of 5.3.
The quake was reportedly felt in the neighbouring provinces of Tekirdag, Yalova, Bursa and Balikesir, as well as in Izmir, which is about 550 kilometres south of Istanbul.
The incident, which happened at 12:49 p.m. on a public holiday when many children were out of school and celebrating in the streets, caused widespread panic in Istanbul, which is on edge over the potential threat of a major earthquake.
Panicked residents ran out of their homes and buildings into the streets. The Disaster and Emergency Management Agency urged citizens to stay away from buildings.
The Istanbul governor's statement said: “As a result of the panic, 151 of our citizens were injured while jumping from heights. Their treatment continues in hospitals and they are not in danger.”
Many residents headed to parks, schoolyards and other open spaces to avoid being near buildings in case of collapse or subsequent earthquakes. Some people pitched tents in parks.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at an event dedicated to National Sovereignty Day and Children's Day: “Thank God, there are no problems at the moment.
“May God protect our country and our people from all kinds of disasters, catastrophes, accidents and calamities.”
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said authorities had not received any reports of buildings being destroyed. He told HaberTurk that there were reports of damaged buildings.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
