Turkey quake hits Balikesir 6.1 magnitude

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake in Balikesir province caused several building collapses and prompted rescue efforts across Sindirgi and nearby villages.

Turkish quake 6.1 hits Balikesir causing about a dozen buildings to collapse

ISTANBUL — A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Turkey’s Balikesir province on a Sunday, with Sindirgi as the epicenter. Officials say about a dozen buildings collapsed and at least one person was trapped in the debris. Five people, including an elderly woman, were rescued from a collapsed structure in Sindirgi, while rescuers tried to reach another trapped resident. Several houses also collapsed in the nearby village of Golcuk, and a mosque minaret toppled in that area.

Health officials reported four people hospitalized, none in life threatening condition. Authorities urged residents not to enter damaged buildings as aftershocks followed the main quake, including a 4.6 magnitude tremor. President Erdogan issued a statement wishing a speedy recovery to those affected. The Disaster and Emergency Management Agency said the event came with multiple aftershocks and emphasized caution in damaged areas.

The episode underscores Turkey’s ongoing vulnerability to quakes along active fault lines and the constant strain on local infrastructure. While rescue operations proceeded, the immediate focus was on safeguarding people in unstable structures and preventing secondary harm. The response also tests the government’s ability to communicate risk clearly amid evolving aftershocks. In historical context, the country has faced devastating events in recent years, shaping public expectations about speed, transparency and accountability in relief efforts.

Longer term, this event may shape discussions on building codes and rural resilience in western Turkey, where the impact is often concentrated in smaller towns. How authorities coordinate aid, allocate shelter, and track displaced residents will influence public trust and future preparedness.”

Highlights

The ground may quiet, but the work to rebuild remains loud.