ISTANBUL, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The number of injuries from Wednesday's 6.2-magnitude earthquake in Istanbul has risen to 236, according to Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu.
The injuries were mostly caused by panic and individuals jumping from heights during the quake, according to the minister. All injured are receiving treatment in hospitals, and no fatalities have been reported.
The earthquake, with its epicenter in the Marmara Sea off Istanbul's coast, prompted widespread safety measures across the city.
The Istanbul Governor's Office announced a two-day suspension of classes in all primary and secondary schools. Administrative leave was also granted to public employees who are disabled, pregnant, or mothers of children under 10.
The governor's office said schoolyards, sports halls, and mosques have been opened to the public for shelter, as many residents sought safety in parks and other open spaces, heeding official warnings about cracked buildings.
Municipalities also announced that meals would be provided to those spending the night outside.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the quake occurred at a depth of 6.92 km and lasted 13 seconds. As of 5:55 p.m. local time (1455 GMT), a total of 127 aftershocks had been recorded, the strongest of which measured 5.9 in magnitude, Yerlikaya added.
No residential buildings in the city collapsed, except for one abandoned building in the Fatih district, said the governor's office. ■