266 aftershocks, 1.5M risky buildings in Istanbul: Minister

Following the April 23 earthquake in Istanbul, which peaked at a magnitude of 6.2, authorities reported a total of 266 aftershocks, the strongest reaching 5.9.

Among them, eight aftershocks were measured at magnitude 4 or above. Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum stressed that time is running out for Istanbul and called on the opposition to join a collective mobilization effort.

This is not the time for politics or debate. The lives and future of 16 million Istanbul residents are at stake.

Murat Kurum , Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change

He also highlighted that 1.5 million buildings in Istanbul are considered risky, with 30% requiring urgent transformation.

Ministers respond to earthquake

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, Environment Minister Murat Kurum, and Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu addressed the public regarding the 6.2-magnitude earthquake.

Yerlikaya shared that the quake was felt across Istanbul, as well as in Tekirdag, Yalova, Bursa, Sakarya, and Balikesir. He provided the following updates:

• A total of 266 aftershocks have been recorded, the strongest at magnitude 5.9.
• Eight aftershocks were magnitude 4 or higher.
• The Turkish Disaster Response Plan (TAMP) was activated 26 minutes after the quake.
• 650 personnel and 148 vehicles were deployed to Istanbul by AFAD, with a total of 11,481 personnel and 903 vehicles involved through public institutions and accredited NGOs.
• 27 logistic depots and 54 local depots were activated.
• 101,000 people were sheltered—51,000 in mosques, and 50,000 in schools, dormitories, and social facilities.

“No casualties or injuries have been reported,” Yerlikaya confirmed, urging citizens to rely only on official sources for information and avoid misinformation on social media.

AFAD’s Earthquake Science Board advised residents to avoid entering damaged buildings and to report structural concerns to the 112 emergency hotline.

A call for unity and action

Minister Kurum called on political unity, stating: “If we delay, the consequences will be far more severe. Everyone must come together—government and opposition alike—for a nationwide effort to transform and save Istanbul.”

He shared further data:

• 1,399 structural damage reports were received following the quake, mainly from Istanbul, Bursa, Balikesir, Tekirdag, and Yalova.
• Only seven buildings were found to have minor damage.
• One abandoned building in Fatih collapsed; no injuries occurred.
• 3,000 teams are investigating all reported damage across 39 districts.
• Structural assessments of public buildings have commenced.

Earthquakes are Türkiye’s reality. We often forget this after just a few days. Risky buildings kill. We must complete this transformation together. There are 1.5 million risky buildings in Istanbul—30% need immediate action.

Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change

He recalled that 13 years ago, President Erdogan had launched the nationwide transformation campaign under the motto, “Whatever the cost, we will rebuild.”

“This is not a matter we can delay. Istanbul’s agenda must be solely focused on earthquake preparedness. Every second counts. We must accelerate larger, bolder projects with unity and determination,” Kurum added.

A matter of national security

Kurum described Istanbul’s earthquake risk as a “national security issue”, demanding a mindset of “mobilization, not politics.”

This is no place for political sparring. Any delay today may lead to tragedy tomorrow. Let us join hands and start this transformation campaign for Istanbul. We are all responsible—opposition and government alike.

Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change

Health Minister: “No serious injuries”

Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu confirmed that there were no primary injuries caused directly by the quake.

“There are 60 patients with secondary injuries, none of whom are in life-threatening condition. Our healthcare infrastructure and personnel are fully prepared for any seismic events in Istanbul,” he said.