According to information from the Turkish Disaster Management Agency, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 has occurred in Istanbul.
There are currently no reports of major damage in the metropolis of 16 million people.
More than 150 people were taken to hospitals with injuries sustained while trying to leave the buildings, according to Istanbul's governor.
The epicenter of the earthquake was shallow, about six miles deep, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
The epicenter was about 25 miles southwest of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara.
After the main shock, there were several aftershocks, one of which had a magnitude of 5.3.
The quake was reportedly felt in the nearby provinces of Tekirdag, Yalova, Bursa and Balikesir, as well as in the city of Izmir, which is about 550 kilometers south of Istanbul.
The incident, which began at 12:49 p.m. and coincided with a public holiday when many children were out of school and celebrating in the streets, caused widespread panic in Istanbul, which is on alert over the possible threat of a major earthquake.
Panicked residents ran out of their homes and buildings into the streets. The Disaster and Emergency Management Agency urged people to stay away from buildings.
In a statement, the Istanbul governor said: “Due to panic, 151 of our citizens were injured while jumping from heights. Their treatment continues in hospitals and their lives are not in danger.”
Many residents headed to parks, schoolyards and other open spaces to avoid being near buildings in case of collapse or aftershocks. Some people pitched tents in parks.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at an event dedicated to National Sovereignty Day and Children's Day, said: “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 collapsed buildings. He told HaberTurk television that he had received information about damage to buildings.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
