Reports indicate that a devastating 6.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in the province of Balikesir, Turkey, on Sunday evening at approximately 19:53 local time (16:53 GMT). The tremor claimed the life of an 81-year-old woman who succumbed to her injuries after being rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building. A total of 16 buildings were reported to have fallen, leading to 29 injuries, as confirmed by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
The quake's effects were felt as far away as Istanbul, prompting immediate responses from local authorities. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences and emphasized the importance of ongoing recovery efforts, urging for God's protection over the nation amid such disasters.
As search and rescue operations concluded, officials reported no additional serious damage or casualties. Visual evidence from Sindirgi illustrated the extent of destruction, with large structures reduced to piles of twisted metal and rubble.
Turkey, located at the convergence of three major tectonic plates, is accustomed to seismic events, frequently experiencing tremors. The recent quake is reminiscent of the catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake in February 2023, which resulted in over 50,000 deaths across Turkey and 5,000 in neighboring Syria. The aftermath of that disaster still lingers, with many families displaced and struggling to rebuild their lives.
