Earthquake is 'National Security Issue': Minister
Following Wednesday’s 6.2 magnitude earthquake centered off the coast of Silivri in the Marmara Sea, Turkish ministers gathered at the AFAD Crisis Center to issue warnings and updates.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya urged residents to stay out of buildings suspected to be unsafe and to report concerns via the 112 Emergency Call Center.
“We ask citizens not to enter damaged structures and remain cautious of aftershocks,” he said. According to AFAD, 266 aftershocks were recorded by Thursday morning, including eight over magnitude 4.0.
Environment and Urbanization Minister Murat Kurum stated that authorities received 1,399 damage reports from across Istanbul, Bursa, Tekirdağ, Balıkesir, and Yalova.
“Seven buildings were identified as lightly damaged. No severe structural damage or casualties have been reported,” Kurum confirmed. He added that Turkey’s largest urban concern remains earthquake preparedness, stressing that over 1.5 million buildings in Istanbul require transformation.
“There is no time to lose. This is a national security issue,” he warned.
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu reported 60 patients treated for panic-related symptoms, none life-threatening. He reassured that hospitals remain fully operational.
Yerlikaya emphasized that more than 101,000 residents have been temporarily sheltered, and aid operations involving thousands of personnel and volunteers are ongoing. “The state is in full mobilization,” he said.
Officials called for unity and cautioned against misinformation. “Let’s not allow fear to be exploited,” Kurum added. “Now is the time for action, not debate.”
Source: HDN
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