Overview

• A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul on April 23, injuring 236 people and triggering over 300 aftershocks.
• Seismologists report that the quake has activated a critical fault beneath the Marmara Sea, raising the probability of a stronger earthquake and potential tsunami.
• More than one million buildings in Istanbul are not earthquake-resistant, intensifying concerns about safety in the event of a larger quake.
• Political leaders face criticism for inadequate earthquake preparedness, including enforcement failures and the misuse of disaster funds.
• The German Foreign Office has updated travel advisories, urging visitors to follow local earthquake safety guidance as fears of further seismic activity grow.