Earthquake of magnitude 6.1 strikes Balikesir province in Turkiye, leading to one fatality and damaging structures
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Turkiye's northwestern province of Balikesir on August 10, 2025[1][2][3], causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The epicenter was in the town of Sindirgi, with the quake leading to the collapse of 16 buildings, most of them derelict and unused[1][3].
The disaster resulted in at least one fatality, an elderly woman who died shortly after being pulled out alive from the debris of a collapsed building in Sindirgi[1]. Additionally, at least 29 people were injured, and none of them were in serious condition[1].
The quake was followed by several aftershocks, including one measuring 4.6, which prompted authorities to warn residents to avoid damaged and unstable buildings due to the high risk of further collapses[2].
Turkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) deployed approximately 1,100 search and rescue personnel and 50 damage assessment teams to manage the aftermath and aid survivors[3]. Rescue operations retrieved victims, including an elderly man who later died[3].
The owner and contractor of the building where the fatality occurred were taken into custody on negligence charges[3]. Authorities continue urging caution as many damaged buildings remain structurally unsafe[2].
The impact was not limited to the Sindirgi district. Nearby districts such as Bigadiç, about 10 km from the epicenter, also suffered damage[1][3]. The broader impact was felt across several provinces, including Istanbul and Eskişehir, where a rural sinkhole formed[1][3].
Drone footage and ground reports reveal extensive destruction in impacted areas, with multiple buildings collapsed or severely damaged[1][3]. Recovery efforts focus on thorough damage assessment, victim support, and preventing further casualties from aftershocks or unstable structures.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a statement wishing all affected citizens a speedy recovery, and wrote on X, "May God protect our country from any kind of disaster."
It is important to note that Turkiye sits on top of major fault lines and experiences frequent earthquakes[4]. In 2023, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake killed more than 53,000 people in Turkiye and destroyed or damaged hundreds of thousands of buildings in 11 southern and southeastern provinces[4]. The disaster in Syria resulted in the death of more than 6,000 people as a result of the 2023 earthquake[4].
References:
[1] BBC News (2025). Turkey earthquake: At least 29 injured in Balikesir. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58256482
[2] Al Jazeera (2025). Turkey earthquake: Dozens injured as 6.1-magnitude quake hits northwest. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/10/turkey-earthquake-dozens-injured-as-61-magnitude-quake-hits-northwest
[3] Reuters (2025). Turkey earthquake: At least one dead, dozens injured in northern province. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-earthquake-at-least-one-dead-dozens-injured-northern-province-2025-08-10/
[4] CNN (2023). Turkey and Syria earthquake: 53,000 dead as death toll rises. [online] Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/world/articles/2023/10/30/turkey-syria-earthquake-death-toll-rising/index.html
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