Turkey Earthquake: 6.1 Magnitude Tremor Causes Building Collapses, Injuries in Balıkesir and Istanbul

Turkey Earthquake: 6.1 Magnitude Tremor Causes Damage

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck western Turkey on Sunday, causing damage in the country’s northwestern Balıkesir province. The tremors were felt as far as Istanbul, according to officials.

Building Collapses and Injuries

Videos from the affected area showed buildings collapsing during the quake. At least 29 people were injured, and officials reported that the earthquake destroyed approximately a dozen structures.

Epicenter and Rescue Efforts

The quake’s epicenter was in the town of Sindirgi. Mayor Serkan Sak reported that four people were rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building, while efforts were underway to reach two others. He added that several homes in the nearby village of Golcuk had fallen and a mosque’s minaret had toppled.

Aftershocks and Precautions

Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency reported that the earthquake was followed by several aftershocks, the largest measuring magnitude 4.6, and urged residents to avoid damaged buildings.

Turkey sits on major fault lines and experiences frequent earthquakes.