Powerful 6.1 earthquake strikes the Turkish province of Balıkesir, causing significant tremors.
6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Balıkesir, Turkey
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir, Turkey, on Sunday, August 10, 2025, causing significant damage, one confirmed death, and multiple injuries. The quake hit at 7:53 p.m. local time and was followed by several aftershocks, the strongest measuring 4.6 in magnitude.
Damage and Impact
At least 16 buildings collapsed, including a three-story apartment block and two mosque minarets. Approximately 729 buildings were severely damaged and 61 slightly damaged in the affected area. Many buildings that collapsed or sustained damage were reportedly uninhabited or abandoned. A sinkhole appeared near Odunpazarı in Eskişehir Province, indicating geological instability related to the quake. The earthquake's tremors were felt as far as Istanbul, about 200 km away.
Casualties
One elderly person (81- or 82-year-old, sources vary) was rescued from rubble but died afterward. At least 29 people were injured, and about 52 were hospitalized due to injuries or panic-related issues.
Emergency Response
Rescue operations began immediately and involved around 1,100 search and rescue personnel and 50 damage assessment teams. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unstable structures due to the risk of further collapses and aftershocks. The building owner and contractor of the collapsed apartment where the fatality occurred were taken into custody for possible negligence. The search and rescue phase has concluded without further casualties, as confirmed by officials. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed condolences and assured prompt support for victims via social media.
This earthquake is part of Turkey’s ongoing susceptibility to seismic activity due to its position on major fault lines, underscored by previous devastating quakes such as the 2023 earthquake that caused over 53,000 deaths.
Emergency Response Continues
In response to the earthquake, AFAD and all relevant institutions immediately began field surveys. So far, no negative reports have come through from the field inspections. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya made a statement regarding the earthquake, assuring the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in any of the affected provinces.
As the emergency response continues, the focus remains on rescue and damage control, with ongoing concerns about structural safety due to aftershocks.
- The 6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Balıkesir, Turkey, has brought attention to the region's vulnerability to seismic activity, particularly given Turkey's position on major fault lines, exacerbated by previous devastating quakes like the 2023 earthquake.
- Aside from the physical damage to buildings and infrastructure, this earthquake has also highlighted the need for proper zoning and building regulations, especially in areas prone to earthquakes, to prevent such tragedies.
- With Turkey being a hub for education and research, international organizations in fields such as environmental-science, space-and-astronomy, and general-news expressed their concern and offered assistance.
- Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, incidents of crime-and-justice, such as theft and looting, have unfortunately been reported in some areas affected by the earthquake, underscoring the need for increased vigilance and law enforcement efforts.
