Magnitude 6.2 earthquake strikes near Istanbul as scores injured in panic
CNN2 days
6.2 Magnitude Quake Rocks Istanbul, Over 151 Injured
Above: People gather outside after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Istanbul on April 24, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. Image copyright: Burak Kara/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Opposition narrative
Despite warnings, Turkey's government has not adequately prepared for earthquakes. The Feb. 6, 2023, 7.8-magnitude quake exposed flaws in building code enforcement and emergency response, leading to over 50,000 deaths. Corruption and zoning flaws allowed for unsafe buildings to stand.
Pro-government narrative
Turkey's robust emergency response systems worked effectively, with immediate deployment of assessment teams, no major structural damage, and continued functioning of essential services. This also demonstrates Istanbul's improved disaster preparedness efforts, construction management activities, and sound planning efforts.