A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Sindirgi district of Balikesir province on Sunday at 7:53 p.m. local time (4:53 p.m. GMT), according to Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).

The quake, centered at a depth of 11 kilometers, was followed by three aftershocks measuring 4.6, 4.1, and 4.0 in magnitude, occurring between 8:01 p.m. and 8:06 p.m. at depths ranging from 6.78 to 16.07 kilometers.

The earthquake’s impact was felt across central Balikesir and extended to nearby provinces, including Istanbul, Izmir, Kutahya, Yalova, Manisa, Usak, Aydin, Eskisehir, Sakarya, and Tekirdag. Local authorities confirmed that at least one building collapsed in Sindirgi, with Sindirgi Mayor Serkan Sak reporting that more than 10 buildings were damaged or destroyed. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with four people rescued from a collapsed structure housing six residents. Efforts continue to locate two others, but no fatalities have been reported as of Monday morning.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated on X that no significant negative developments have been reported, and AFAD teams, alongside other institutions, are conducting thorough ground searches. “All relevant authorities are mobilized, and no undesirable events have been flagged so far,” Yerlikaya said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed solidarity with those affected, pledging to closely monitor the situation. “We stand with the people of Balikesir and surrounding areas impacted by this earthquake,” he said in a statement.

AFAD reported no additional aftershocks overnight, though seismic monitoring continues due to Türkiye’s position atop several active fault lines. The region remains on high alert, given its history of devastating earthquakes, including the February 2023 quake in southwest Türkiye that claimed over 53,000 lives and a 5.8-magnitude tremor in July 2025 that resulted in one death and 69 injuries.

Local authorities in Sindirgi have set up temporary shelters for displaced residents, and structural engineers are assessing the stability of remaining buildings. Mayor Sak emphasized that rescue operations are a priority, with teams working around the clock. “We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our citizens,” he said.

The Turkish Red Crescent has deployed aid teams to provide food, water, and medical supplies to affected areas. No major disruptions to infrastructure, such as roads or utilities, have been reported, but inspections are ongoing.

Türkiye’s geological vulnerability underscores the importance of preparedness, as the nation continues to recover from past seismic events. Authorities urge residents to follow safety protocols and stay informed through official channels as the situation develops. (ILKHA)