Powerful earthquake in Turkey causes building collapses and casualties

A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 struck the Balikesir province in northwestern Turkey. The tremor was felt at 7:53 PM local time on Sunday. At least 16 buildings and two mosque minarets collapsed due to the quake.

Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported that one woman died and 29 people were injured.

According to AFAD, the earthquake’s epicenter was about 11 kilometers beneath the surface. The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) recorded a similar magnitude. The tremor was also felt in several neighboring provinces around Balikesir, causing fear among local residents.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that a rescued elderly woman from the rubble of a collapsed building in the Sindirgi area died after being taken to the hospital. Four others were rescued alive from the same site. Most of the collapsed buildings were old and abandoned. None of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and injured on social media, saying, “May Allah protect our country from all kinds of disasters.”

Local authorities have launched emergency relief operations in the affected areas and have cordoned off several locations to ensure safety.