A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey’s northwestern province of Balikesir on Sunday, leading to the collapse of multiple buildings. The quake’s epicentre was located in Sindirgi, with tremors felt in Istanbul, approximately 200 kilometres to the north.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that five individuals, including an elderly woman, were rescued from the rubble of a building in Sindirgi, while efforts continued to reach another trapped person. In addition, several homes collapsed in Golcuk, a nearby village, where a mosque’s minaret also fell.
Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu informed that four people were hospitalised, although none were in critical condition. Ahmet Akin, the mayor of Balikesir, expressed his hopes for no fatalities as the community grapples with the aftermath.
Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency indicated that the quake was followed by several aftershocks, including one measuring 4.6, and advised citizens to avoid damaged structures. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed his wishes for a swift recovery for those affected and urged divine protection against future disasters.
Turkey is located on significant fault lines, making it susceptible to earthquakes. Earlier this year, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake resulted in over 53,000 fatalities and extensive destruction across 11 provinces in southern and southeastern Turkey, with an additional 6,000 deaths recorded in northern Syria.