Istanbul, Turkey – In a remarkable moment of composure, CNN Türk anchor Meltem Bozbeyoğlu continued her broadcast live on air while a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul. The quake hit shortly before 1 p.m. local time on Wednesday, April 23, shaking the studio during the broadcast.
The Earthquake and Immediate Reactions
As the tremors started, Bozbeyoğlu raised her hand, her voice trembling in apparent alarm, as the studio shook around her. Despite the earthquake’s intensity, she maintained her professionalism, reporting the developing situation. The earthquake lasted for 13 seconds and was followed by over 50 aftershocks, the strongest of which measured 5.9.
Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the magnitude and impact of the earthquake, which was centered in the Sea of Marmara, approximately 40 miles west of Istanbul. In the aftermath, more than 150 people were injured, many of whom sustained injuries from jumping from heights in panic. Fortunately, none of the injuries were reported as life-threatening.
Impact on Istanbul and the Holiday Context
The earthquake occurred on National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, a public holiday in Turkey, when children were out of school, and many adults were home from work. This contributed to the large number of people present in the city during the event.
Istanbul residents, shaken by the tremors, quickly gathered in open spaces to avoid being caught in potential aftershocks. Some even set up tents for temporary shelter while waiting for the aftershocks to subside.
Government Response and Public Reassurance
In response to the earthquake, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his relief, saying, “Thank God, there does not seem to be any problems for now,” while offering his prayers for the safety of the Turkish people. He also emphasized his hopes for the protection of the nation from further calamities and disasters.
Personal Accounts and the Aftermath
Witnesses and residents shared their experiences of the quake. Selim Ustaoğlu, a college student, recounted his initial confusion, stating, “At first I thought I was going to faint. Then I realized it was an earthquake. I yelled to alert others and ran outside.” He expressed his decision to stay outdoors overnight to stay safe from possible aftershocks.
Recent History of Earthquakes in the Region
The earthquake in Istanbul comes nearly a month after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, killing over 3,300 people. This recent earthquake serves as a reminder of the seismic activity in the region and the importance of disaster preparedness.
