A massive earthquake in Turkey caused buildings to collapse and residents to flee into the streets. The quake, with an estimated magnitude of 6.1, struck the Balikesir region, sending tremors across several western provinces, including Istanbul and Izmir. The prolonged shaking led to panic and fear among affected residents, with reports of shops and buildings being destroyed.
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu is closely monitoring the emergency response to the earthquake. He expressed well wishes to all citizens affected by the seismic activity and emphasized the coordination efforts with relevant institutions to address the situation. No loss of life has been reported so far, according to Sindirgi’s district administrator Dogukan Koyuncu.
Around 22 individuals suffered injuries from panic-related falls following the earthquake, as confirmed by Balikesir’s governor, Ismail Ustaoglu. Many people, fearing aftershocks, chose to stay outdoors rather than return to their homes. Authorities have opened mosques, schools, and sports halls to provide shelter to those hesitant to go back.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that at least three buildings and a two-story shop collapsed in Sindirgi, with some structures already damaged from a prior earthquake. Field surveys are ongoing to assess the damage, and the possibility of faults in the region breaking through the surface is being investigated.
Numerous eyewitnesses described the intense shaking during the earthquake, with reports of objects falling and buildings swaying violently. The seismic event, occurring at night in Balikesir province, prompted a rapid emergency response to ensure the safety and well-being of affected residents. Turkey, situated on active fault lines, is prone to frequent earthquakes due to its geological location.
