A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey early this morning, causing widespread devastation and leaving more than 1,000 injured as emergency services scramble to respond. The quake hit at 3:45 AM local time, with its epicenter located near Istanbul, triggering landslides and significant structural damage to buildings across the region.
Officials report that the tremor was felt as far away as Ankara, sending residents into a panic and leading to mass evacuations. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has declared a state of emergency, mobilizing all available resources to assist those affected. Reports indicate that over 10,000 people have been displaced, and shelters are being set up in schools and community centers.
Local hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and authorities are urging anyone with minor injuries to seek care at home to alleviate the burden on emergency services. Urgent updates are expected as rescue operations continue throughout the day.
Witnesses describe scenes of chaos, with many residents rushing into the streets amid aftershocks. “It felt like the ground was splitting apart,” said one survivor. “We had no idea what was happening.”
The United Nations and other international aid organizations are closely monitoring the situation, ready to provide assistance. As rescue efforts unfold, officials are focused on assessing the full extent of the damage and determining the needs of affected communities.
As this story develops, stay tuned for the latest updates on the impact of this devastating earthquake and the ongoing rescue efforts in Turkey.
