Earthquake strikes western Turkey, leaving one dead and multiple casualties
Earthquake Strikes Sindirgi, Western Turkey: Rescue Operations Ongoing
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 hit the town of Sindirgi in Balıkesir province, Turkey, on Sunday evening, causing the collapse of several buildings and resulting in casualties.
The epicenter of the quake was located approximately 10 km deep and near Bigadiç in Balıkesir. The tremor was felt as far as Istanbul, up to 200-340 km away.
The disaster has claimed at least one life, an 81-82-year-old individual who was rescued from the rubble. Around 29 to 52 people were injured or hospitalized, with some treated for panic.
At least 16 buildings collapsed, including a three-story apartment block and two mosque minarets. Most of the collapsed or heavily damaged buildings were uninhabited or abandoned. Nearby villages such as Golcuk also suffered damage, including house collapses.
In response to the disaster, approximately 1,100 search and rescue personnel and 50 damage assessment teams have been deployed. Rescue operations were conducted overnight following aftershocks, the strongest measuring magnitude 4.6. Residents were warned to avoid unstable buildings due to the risk of further collapses.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the casualties and damage, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed condolences and pledged support for the victims. The building owner and contractor in which the fatality occurred have been detained on suspicion of negligence causing death and injury.
Turkey is located on several geological fault lines, making it prone to earthquakes. This quake occurred two years after a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2023 that killed over 53,000 people and destroyed many buildings in southern Turkey.
The earthquake occurred at 7:53 pm (1653 GMT). The aftermath of the disaster continues to unfold, with rescue efforts ongoing and authorities monitoring aftershocks and building safety.
The General News has reported another catastrophic event in Turkey, this time a 6.1 magnitude earthquake in Sindirgi, also highlighting incidents of Crime and Justice as the building owner and contractor involved in the building collapse that led to a fatality have been detained. In the midst of these events, it's essential to monitor the Weather as local weather conditions could impact rescue efforts and potentially trigger Accidents due to the unstable environment.
