Powerful earthquake strikes Turkey: one dead and dozens injured in Balıkesir province
A strong underground earthquake has struck northwestern Turkey, causing significant destruction and casualties.
According to official reports, at least one person lost their life, and 29 others sustained injuries of varying severity.
The city of Sındırgı emerged as the epicenter of the quake, which registered a magnitude of 6.1 and was felt over 200 kilometers away, including in Istanbul.
The seismic event, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in the collapse of more than ten buildings, primarily old and abandoned structures, and uprooted parts of local infrastructure.Emergency services responded swiftly, rescuing several residents trapped under debris, including a woman who was pronounced dead shortly after being pulled out.
Four other individuals were rescued from damaged buildings.
In total, 16 structures have been reported as collapsed, including two minarets of a mosque, highlighting the scale of destruction.Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that most of the damage occurred in neglected and unused buildings, and none of the injured are in critical condition.
After the main quake, several aftershocks occurred, including a notable one with a magnitude of 4.6, which posed additional risks and could trigger further structural failures.President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his condolences to those affected and wished them a quick recovery.
He also urged citizens to remain calm and adhere to safety protocols amid frequent seismic activity, as Turkey lies over significant fault lines that make such events commonplace.
Authorities continue to work on improving earthquake preparedness and mitigation efforts to reduce the impact of future eruptions.