Deadly Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake Strikes Türkiye, Flattening Buildings Near Istanbul
A powerful magnitude 6.1 earthquake recently shook northwestern Türkiye’s Balıkesir province, causing serious destruction and claiming at least one life. The quake’s epicenter was located in the town of Sındırgı, a place that bore the brunt of the damage. This devastating event caused more than a dozen buildings to collapse, including several that were abandoned or in poor condition. Among the collapsed structures were also two mosque minarets that toppled, adding to the scene of destruction.
The tremors were strong enough to be felt as far as Istanbul, approximately 200 kilometers to the north. That’s notable considering Istanbul’s massive population of over 16 million people. The shockwaves sent a ripple of fear through the city, reminding everyone of how vulnerable this region remains to seismic activity.
Tragically, an elderly woman lost her life shortly after being rescued alive from the rubble in Sındırgı. She was one of five people pulled from the debris, with rescuers racing against time to find others who might still be trapped. Fortunately, the injured—totaling at least 29 individuals—were reported to be in stable condition, with none seriously wounded according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
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Rescue teams, including members of the Turkish Gendarmerie, worked tirelessly through the night. At times, they called for silence in the affected areas, hoping to hear faint sounds or cries for help from beneath the ruins. Special search dogs were also deployed to aid in locating survivors. The public gathered nearby, anxiously watching the rescue efforts unfold.
Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency reported that the main quake was followed by several aftershocks, one of which was a significant magnitude 4.6. Authorities strongly advised residents not to enter any buildings damaged by the quake, emphasizing safety precautions.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a public message of support and prayers for the victims and those affected. He expressed hope for a swift recovery and protection from future disasters, highlighting the country’s ongoing battle with natural calamities.
Türkiye sits on the intersection of several major tectonic fault lines, making earthquakes a frequent and often deadly occurrence. The memory of the catastrophic 2023 earthquake—measuring 7.8 in magnitude—that killed over 53,000 people and devastated large swaths of southern and southeastern Türkiye remains painfully fresh. That quake also heavily affected northern Syria, where thousands perished.
This recent tremor is a stark reminder of the persistent seismic risks in the region, underscoring the importance of preparedness and resilient infrastructure. Though the rescue operations have now concluded with no further casualties reported, the aftermath continues to be felt by communities struggling to rebuild and recover.
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