Sri Lanka, April 24 -- A significant 6.2 magnitude earthquake shook much of Turkey on Wednesday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The earthquake struck at a shallow depth of just 6.2 miles. The epicentre was located approximately 25 miles south-west of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, and about 50 miles west of the city itself.

Whilst there have been no immediate reports of fatalities, hospitals reported a surge in patients admitted due to anxiety and panic. Scenes of widespread panic unfolded as residents rushed into the streets and parks following the tremor.

The Istanbul governor's office has confirmed over 150 injuries, largely due to people jumping from buildings in their haste to escape the shaking. Fortun...