A moderate earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck the northwestern region of Turkey on Wednesday, shaking Istanbul and surrounding provinces. The earthquake triggered widespread panic across the city of over 16 million residents.

A strong earthquake rattled Istanbul, Turkey, and neighboring regions, sending panicked people pouring into streets but apparently causing no major damage.

Buildings in Turkey's largest city have been shaking, with people running out on to the streets, our reporter says.