Regional
Magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes western Turkey, damages buildings
Emergency teams have been deployed to inspect damaged structures and assist affected residents as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck western Turkey late Monday, shaking several provinces and causing a number of previously damaged buildings to collapse. Authorities have so far reported no fatalities.
According to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the quake’s epicenter was near the town of Sindirgi in Balikesir province. It hit at 10:48 pm local time at a shallow depth of 5.99 kilometers and was followed by multiple aftershocks.
Tremors were felt across Istanbul, Bursa, Manisa, and Izmir, prompting residents to rush out of their homes in panic. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that at least three unoccupied buildings and a two-story shop collapsed in Sindirgi. All had sustained damage from a previous earthquake.
Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu said 22 people were injured, mostly due to panic-related falls. “So far, we have not identified any loss of life, but assessment teams are continuing their inspections,” Sindirgi district administrator Dogukan Koyuncu told Anadolu Agency.
Emergency teams have been deployed to inspect damaged structures and assist affected residents as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.