A strong earthquake struck western Turkey late on Monday, causing widespread concern across several major provinces and nearby Aegean islands. According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and international seismic institutes, the earthquake measured 6.1 on the Richter scale and was followed by a 4.2 aftershock minutes later.
The epicenter of the main tremor was located in the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir province, with a shallow focal depth estimated between 6 and 11 kilometers, increasing its intensity at the surface. The quake was strongly felt in Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, and other cities in the Marmara and Aegean regions. Reports also indicate that it was sensed in parts of the northeastern Aegean islands.
Authorities Respond – No Casualties Reported
Turkey’s Minister of Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed that search and inspection teams from AFAD were immediately dispatched to affected areas. In his official statement, he said:
“All AFAD teams and relevant authorities have started field assessments. Our prayers are with our citizens affected by the earthquake. May God protect our country and nation from disasters.”
Local reports suggest that some old and previously evacuated buildings collapsed in Sındırgı. However, no injuries or casualties have been reported so far, according to Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu.
Expert Warning: Independent Earthquake, Not Aftershock
Speaking live on CNN Türk, well-known Turkish seismologist Şener Üşümezsoy emphasized that this event should not be considered an aftershock, saying:
“This is not a continuation of a previous earthquake but a standalone tectonic event. It could potentially trigger nearby fault lines.”
Videos circulating on social media show residents running into the streets in panic as buildings shook for several seconds.
