Education suspended in Kocaeli, Yalova, and Tekirdag after Marmara earthquake
People evacuate buildings in panic and contact their loved ones after a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake with the epicenter in Istanbul's Silivri district struck Turkiye on April 23, 2025. (AA Phoyo)
Following the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the Marmara Sea near Silivri, authorities in Kocaeli, Yalova, and Tekirdag have announced a one-day suspension of all educational activities.
In Istanbul, where the earthquake was strongly felt, schools from kindergarten to universities had already been closed for two days. The Interior Ministry’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported that the tremor was followed by at least 184 aftershocks and warned residents to stay away from potentially unsafe buildings until structural assessments are complete.
Kocaeli: Administrative leave for some public employees
The Kocaeli Governor’s Office stated that the quake was felt across the province. All formal and informal educational institutions, including driving schools and other private courses, will remain closed for one day.
Additionally, public employees who are disabled, pregnant, chronically ill, war veterans, or mothers of children under 10 will be granted administrative leave, excluding those whose presence is essential for institutional operations.
Tekirdag: Day off for schools and vulnerable employees
In Tekirdag, officials have suspended education in all primary, secondary schools, and nurseries for one day. Similar to Kocaeli, administrative leave has been granted to disabled individuals, pregnant women, veterans, and mothers with children under 10. Health and security personnel are exempt from this leave.
Yalova: No damage reported, but precautionary closures
Yalova Governor Hülya Kaya announced via social media that no structural damage was found in schools after inspections. However, taking public concern into account, all public and private educational institutions will remain closed on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Administrative leave has also been granted under the same conditions as in the other provinces.
The earthquake, which had its epicenter in the Marmara Sea off the coast of Istanbul’s Silivri district, caused widespread panic as residents rushed outdoors. AFAD continues to monitor the situation and has not ruled out further seismic activity.
