6.1-Magnitude Quake Rattles Sindirgi in Balikesir; Tremors Felt in Istanbul

Post by : Raina Nasser

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck late Monday in the Sindirgi district of Balikesir in western Türkiye, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), and its tremors were felt as far away as Istanbul.

AFAD said the shock occurred at about 10:48 p.m. local time (19:48 GMT) at a shallow depth of roughly 6 kilometres (3.7 miles). The strong jolt rattled structures across western Türkiye, prompting residents to leave buildings and gather outdoors.

Officials reported no fatalities so far. Sindirgi district administrator Dogukan Koyuncu told Anadolu Agency that assessments remain ongoing and that rescue and inspection teams are on site checking for structural damage. Several people were injured, most from falls or other incidents as residents hurried to safety.

Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu said at least 22 people sustained injuries tied to panic-related incidents and are receiving care. He also noted that three unoccupied buildings and a two-storey shop collapsed in Sindirgi; authorities said these structures had previously been weakened by an earlier quake.

Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz posted that AFAD and other agencies have launched field inspections and are reviewing incoming reports carefully. "All necessary steps are being taken to ensure our citizens' safety," he said, describing the government's rapid mobilisation.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offered condolences and solidarity with those affected, stating that AFAD teams and local officials are conducting detailed inspections and control operations in the affected areas to safeguard the public.

Emergency response units and local rescue teams have been activated across Balikesir and neighbouring provinces. Experts from the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute cautioned that aftershocks are likely in the coming hours and advised people not to re-enter damaged buildings.

The quake serves as a reminder of Türkiye's exposure to seismic risk, sitting on multiple active fault lines. The country experienced devastating earthquakes in February 2023 in southern Türkiye and northern Syria, highlighting the persistent hazard.

AFAD and local authorities continue to assess the full extent of damage in Sindirgi while working to restore services. Some rural locations reported power outages and minor communication disruptions, with emergency teams operating around the clock to stabilise conditions.