UPDATE: Turkey: Major earthquake shakes Istanbul

UPDATES WITH MORE INFO

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) – A powerful earthquake struck the Turkish metropolis Istanbul on Thursday, according to Turkey’s quake monitoring center.

The Kandilli Observatory said a 5.7 magnitude earthquake centered in the Sea of Marmara hit at 1.59 p.m. (1059GMT).

The earthquake, off Istanbul's Silivri district, occurred at a depth of 11.9 kilometers (7.3 miles).

In addition to Istanbul, Turkey's most populous city, the earthquake was also felt in nearby urban areas.

Aftershocks continue to felt in the region.

As yet there are no reports of damage, according to the Istanbul Governorship.

According to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), the earthquake's estimated magnitude was 5.8, and it took place at a depth of 6.99 km, some 21.68 km from Silivri.

A 3.6 earthquake also shook Istanbul earlier today, at 10.32 a.m. (0732GMT), according to AFAD. The epicenter of the quake was the Marmara Sea.

On Tuesday, a 4.6-magnitude earthquake also hit off Silivri, according to AFAD.