Strong earthquake hits western Turkey, prompting immediate structural assessments
In the western province of Balıkesir, Turkey, a significant earthquake struck on Sunday evening, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The earthquake, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, had its epicenter in the Sindirgi area.
The quake caused localized destruction, primarily in Balıkesir province, with one confirmed fatality, multiple injuries, building collapses, and aftershocks. An 81 (or 82)-year-old man was rescued from a collapsed three-story building in Sindirgi, marking the single fatality. Around 30 people were injured, none seriously, with 29 reported in some accounts; 52 were initially hospitalized due to injuries or panic, with four still under treatment.
Several buildings collapsed or were destroyed in Sindirgi and surrounding areas, including about a dozen buildings in total. Houses also collapsed in the nearby village of Golcuk, with a mosque minaret falling there as well. In total, 729 buildings were severely damaged and 61 slightly damaged, with 73 mosques affected in Balıkesir.
Remarkably, the earthquake was widely felt in Istanbul and other provinces, though no casualties or significant damage were reported in Istanbul. Emergency inspections were conducted there and in neighboring provinces without negative reports.
The earthquake was followed by around 20 aftershocks, the strongest being a magnitude 4.6 quake. Additionally, a sinkhole appeared near Odunpazarı in Eskişehir Province.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that AFAD emergency teams had been sent to Istanbul and nearby towns to conduct checks. The authorities are urging people to stay calm while safety checks are being conducted. As a safety measure, people in different neighborhoods left their homes and met in parks in Istanbul.
Turkey, located on several active fault lines, is prone to earthquakes. This event serves as a reminder for the importance of preparedness and swift emergency response.
Osama Ali, an accomplished English content writer and news writer based in Turkey, delivers accurate and well-researched news pieces, presenting information clearly and concisely.
[1] Al Bawaba Website [2] Subscription to Al Bawaba's exclusive celebrity scoops and entertainment news [3] Opportunity for subscription to exclusive updates and enhanced content [4] Categorized under "Latest" and "Popular" sections [5] Article published between the years 2000 and 2025 [6] Istanbul Governor's Office statement about people going to open places [7] The Istanbul Governor's Office urging people to stay calm
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