Powerful 6.1 Earthquake Hits Balıkesir’s Sındırgı District — Tremors Felt Across Marmara and Aegean Regions
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 struck Turkey’s Balıkesir province, with its epicenter located in Sındırgı district, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The tremor, recorded at a depth of 5.99 kilometers, was felt widely across the Marmara and Aegean regions, including Istanbul and İzmir.
Following the main shock, a series of aftershocks were reported — a 4.2 magnitude quake at 22:50, a 4.0 at 22:51, and another 4.2 at 23:04, along with numerous smaller tremors below magnitude 4.
Government and Local Authorities Respond
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that three buildings and one shop were destroyed but emphasized there were no casualties or people trapped under debris. He stated, “All search and rescue teams have started field inspections immediately. I am on my way to the region.”
Balıkesir Mayor Ahmet Akın confirmed that authorities were on high alert: “We are in full coordination and will examine the situation closely. Some reports have come in, but it’s too early to confirm anything. We stand with our citizens.”
Sındırgı Mayor Serkan Sak reported five collapsed buildings and urged residents to stay away from damaged or risky structures. “Aftershocks may continue. Please remain cautious and gather in open and safe areas. Follow official announcements and avoid panic,” he advised.
Structural Damage Reports
According to Balıkesir Fire Department, three abandoned buildings collapsed, while a vacant apartment and a car appraisal center were also destroyed. Two derelict structures in Sındırgı were reported to have fallen following the quake.
Official Reactions and Safety Updates
Minister Yerlikaya shared on social media: “AFAD and all relevant institutions have begun immediate fieldwork. I send my best wishes to everyone affected. May God protect our country and our people from disasters.”
Health Minister Memişoğlu said all relevant agencies were monitoring the situation closely: “So far, no injuries or major incidents have been reported to our ministry. May God safeguard our nation from harm.”
The Istanbul Governor’s Office confirmed there were no damage reports in the city. Their statement emphasized ongoing assessments throughout the night and assured residents that all systems remain operational.
Similarly, the Çanakkale Governor’s Office reported no negative developments in the province after the quake.
Communication Lines Remain Stable
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) confirmed that despite a temporary surge in phone traffic, there was no interruption in communication services. The institution advised citizens to use internet-based messaging apps to avoid congestion on mobile networks.
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