6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Turkiye’s Sindirgi Shakes Istanbul

A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake shook the Sindirgi district in Turkiye’s western Balikesir province late Monday night, sending waves of panic across nearby cities including Istanbul, according to the country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).

The earthquake in Turkiye struck at around 10:48 p.m. local time (1948 GMT) at a shallow depth of 5.99 kilometers (3.72 miles), AFAD confirmed. The 6.1 magnitude earthquake was strong enough to be felt across large parts of western Turkiye, leaving residents frightened as buildings swayed and people rushed out into the streets for safety.

While the tremors sparked widespread fear, authorities reported no loss of life so far. Sindirgi district administrator Dogukan Koyuncu told Anadolu Agency that “assessments are still underway,” adding that rescue and inspection teams are on-site checking for structural damages. The earthquake in Turkiye has left several people injured, mainly due to panic-related falls while rushing to escape their homes.

According to Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu, at least 22 people sustained injuries caused by panic-related incidents. “Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported yet,” he said, emphasizing that medical and emergency teams are providing immediate care to those injured. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya further noted that three unoccupied buildings and a two-story shop collapsed in Sindirgi. These structures had already been weakened by a previous earthquake, making them more vulnerable to last night’s tremor.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz confirmed on social media platform NSosyal that AFAD and other relevant agencies have begun field inspections and are reviewing reports carefully. “All necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Yilmaz said, highlighting the government’s swift response to the earthquake in Turkiye.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also issued a statement expressing sympathy and solidarity with affected residents. “I extend my condolences to the citizens affected by the earthquake that occurred in the Sindirgi district of Balikesir and was also felt in our neighboring provinces,” he said. Erdoğan added that AFAD teams and local authorities are “meticulously continuing their inspections and control efforts” in the field to ensure public safety.

Emergency response units and local rescue teams have been mobilized across Balikesir and surrounding areas. Citizens have been urged to stay calm and follow official updates from AFAD and the Turkish Interior Ministry. Experts from the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute have warned that aftershocks may continue in the coming hours, advising residents to avoid entering damaged buildings.

The 6.1 magnitude earthquake in Turkiye serves as another reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Turkiye sits on several major fault lines, making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world. In recent years, the nation has faced multiple devastating quakes, including the tragic February 2023 earthquake that caused massive destruction in southern Turkiye and northern Syria.

As of now, the AFAD and local authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the earthquake in Sindirgi, while citizens remain on high alert. Power outages and minor disruptions in communication have been reported in some rural areas, but emergency services are working round the clock to restore normalcy.