Number of injured in Türkiye earthquake rises to 236

According to the latest announcement by Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu, the number of people injured in the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred on April 23 in Istanbul has increased to 236.

Most of the injuries were caused by panic or jumping from heights to escape during the earthquake. Fortunately, no one died.

The earthquake, whose epicenter was off the coast of the Sea of ​​Marmara, near Istanbul, shook the entire city and triggered a series of emergency measures deployed by the authorities to ensure the safety of residents.

The Istanbul Mayor's Office announced the suspension of primary and secondary school classes for two days.

Meanwhile, pregnant officials, civil servants, people with disabilities and mothers with children under 10 years old are also given administrative leave.

As many buildings appeared to have cracks and were at risk of collapsing, people poured into parks and public spaces to take shelter.

Authorities have opened schoolyards, gymnasiums and mosques as temporary shelters for people, and some have pledged to provide them with meals.

Rescue forces, medical staff and local authorities also continue to support people, ensuring safety and stabilizing life after the earthquake.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that as of 5:55 p.m. local time on April 23, or 9:55 p.m. Vietnam time, 127 aftershocks had been recorded, the strongest of which had a magnitude of 5.9.

The Istanbul Governor's Office confirmed that no residential buildings collapsed, except for an abandoned structure in the Fatih district.

In February 2023, Türkiye suffered a devastating earthquake that was the most destructive in the country's modern history.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed 55,000 people and injured more than 107,000 in southern Türkiye and northern Syria.