Death reported in a 6.1-magnitude earthquake that occurred in western Turkey
In a series of seismic events, western Turkey was hit by a significant 6.1 magnitude earthquake on August 10, 2025. The epicenter of the quake was located in the Sindirgi district of Balikesir province.
The disaster claimed one life and left several individuals injured. Rescue teams are making every effort to establish contact with two individuals trapped under the rubble. Four people have already been rescued from the wreckage of buildings.
Television footage shows several collapsed buildings in Sindirgi, providing a grim testament to the earthquake's impact. The quake was felt in major cities over 200 kilometers away, including Istanbul and Izmir.
According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), there were six aftershocks within an hour of the earthquake, the strongest measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale. Rescue teams comprising around 1,100 personnel and 50 damage assessment teams have been deployed. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unstable structures due to the risks of further collapses.
The cause of the earthquake is not yet known. However, Turkey, situated on several active fault lines, is particularly earthquake-prone. Regions like Balikesir, Manisa, and the Marmara Sea are particularly vulnerable to seismic events.
The recent earthquake in Sindirgi is among the significant tremors in this historically active zone. Previous notable earthquakes in Turkey include the 1919 Ayvalık and the 1953 Yenice–Gönen events.
Other recent seismic activity in Turkey includes a 4.2-magnitude earthquake northeast of Manisa on August 18, 2025, and smaller quakes near Antalya, indicating ongoing seismic activity in the region.
Authorities continue monitoring and rescue operations, emphasizing structural safety and accountability. The building owner linked to the fatality was taken into custody for negligence.
This earthquake comes after devastating earthquakes of magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 struck the southeastern Turkish province of Hatay on February 6, 2023. More than 53,000 people died in Turkey alone, and neighboring Syria also suffered thousands of fatalities due to the earthquakes.
As Turkey continues to grapple with these seismic events, the focus remains on rescue efforts, rebuilding, and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) is providing general-news updates on the rescue and damage assessment operations in Sindirgi, where the recent earthquake occurred. Weather reports may also play a crucial role in these rescue efforts, considering the potential impact of aftershocks and further collapses. The service provided by rescue teams is essential, not just in Sindirgi, but also in neighboring regions like Istanbul and Izmir, as these cities felt the impact of the quake. Crime-and-justice authorities have detained the building owner linked to the fatality for negligence, stressing accountability amidst the ongoing seismic activity in Turkey.
