A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey’s Balıkesir province, injuring 29 and destroying buildings. Rescue efforts continue as aftershocks follow, with officials urging safety and recalling the region’s seismic vulnerability.
A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck western Turkey’s Balıkesir province on Sunday, shaking buildings and causing widespread damage. Tremors were felt up to 200 kilometres away in Istanbul, officials confirmed.
The earthquake’s epicentre was in Sindirgi town, where Mayor Serkan Sak told HaberTurk TV that rescuers pulled four people from the debris of a collapsed building, while efforts continued to free two others still trapped. He also said that several houses were damaged in the nearby village of Golcuk. A mosque’s minaret had collapsed.
Officials reported that around a dozen buildings were destroyed. Videos from the scene showed structures crumbling as the quake struck.
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu noted that at least 29 people were injured, but none of them were in critical condition. Four of the injured were hospitalized for medical assistance.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that at least 16 buildings were damaged due to the quake. However, most of them were old and unused. Two mosque minarets were also damaged. He also said that none of the people were seriously injured.
The Mayor of the Balıkesir city, Ahmet Akin said: “Our hope is to get through this without any loss of life.”
Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) said that there were several aftershocks after the main earthquake. The strongest aftershock was reported at 4.6 magnitude. Residents were asked to stay away from the damaged buildings and keeping all the safety precautions.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan posted on X, offering support and prayers, “May God protect our country from any kind of disaster.”
The president prayed for a quick recovery of the affected individuals as rescue teams continued to operate the area.
Turkey lies on major fault lines and experiences frequent seismic activity. The disaster comes just over a year after the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in 2023, which killed more than 53,000 people in Turkey and 6,000 in northern Syria.
Officials are still on high alert as rescue and relief teams continue operations in the affected parts of Balıkesir.
