A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck western Turkey late Monday night, causing panic among residents and leading to the collapse of at least three buildings in Balikesir province. Officials confirmed that no deaths have been reported so far, though 22 people sustained minor injuries.
Epicenter in Sindirgi, Balikesir Province
According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the quake was centered in the town of Sindirgi in Balikesir province, occurring at 10:48 p.m. local time (1948 GMT) at a depth of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles).
Tremors were felt across Istanbul and nearby provinces including Bursa, Manisa, and Izmir, prompting residents to rush out of their homes in fear. Several aftershocks followed the main tremor, adding to the anxiety.
Buildings Collapse, Residents Flee Homes
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that three unoccupied buildings and a two-story shop collapsed in Sindirgi, all of which had already been damaged by a previous quake earlier this year.
“So far, we have not identified any loss of life, but we are continuing our assessment,”
said Dogukan Koyuncu, the Sindirgi district administrator, in a statement to Anadolu Agency.
Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu reported that 22 people were injured, most due to falls or panic attacks while attempting to flee during the quake.
Emergency Shelters and Relief Measures
As rain began to fall in the affected areas, local authorities opened mosques, schools, and sports halls to provide temporary shelter for residents reluctant to return home amid ongoing aftershocks.
Television footage from Haberturk showed people gathering in open spaces, many wrapped in blankets, as rescue teams inspected the damaged structures.
Region’s Seismic History
Sindirgi and surrounding districts have experienced frequent tremors in recent months. In August 2025, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake in the same region killed one person and injured several others.
Turkey lies along several major fault lines, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. The catastrophic 7.8-magnitude earthquake of February 2023 claimed over 53,000 lives across 11 southern and southeastern provinces, while northern Syria reported an additional 6,000 deaths from the same event.
Key Takeaway
The latest 6.1-magnitude quake serves as another reminder of Turkey’s ongoing vulnerability to seismic activity. Authorities continue to assess structural damage while urging residents to remain cautious amid aftershocks.
Emergency services remain on standby, and the government has assured continued monitoring through AFAD’s live tracking systems.
