Massive 6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Western Turkey, Leaving Widespread Destruction and Aftershocks

A powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck western Turkey on Monday, toppling buildings and prompting urgent warnings from authorities.

The tremor was centered in Sindirgi town in Balikesir province, according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD). Shaking was felt across Istanbul and neighboring provinces including Bursa, Manisa, and Izmir, as reported by Haberturk news channel.

Widespread Panic and Building Collapses

The quake sent residents fleeing from buildings as prolonged tremors rippled through Turkey’s western provinces, sparking panic and fear. Government officials confirmed that multiple structures collapsed, with two abandoned buildings completely destroyed in Sindirgi district.

Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that an 81-year-old man was killed after being pulled from the rubble, while 29 others were injured. At least 16 buildings have collapsed across the affected region.

“The earthquake was felt in the provinces of Manisa, Izmir, Usak, and Bursa,” said the Istanbul Governor’s Office. “To date, a total of seven aftershocks exceeding magnitude 3.0 have occurred.”

Rescue Operations Underway

Emergency teams are on-site conducting evaluations and search efforts. AFAD has deployed personnel and equipment from nearby provinces — including Canakkale, Izmir, Afyonkarahisar, Usak, Bursa, Sakarya, Kutahya, Bilecik, Manisa, and Kocaeli — to assist in rescue and recovery operations.

Serkan Sak, mayor of one of the hardest-hit areas, said: “More than ten buildings in our district have collapsed. Some are single-story, some two-story, and some three-story.”

Authorities on High Alert

Health Minister Memisoglu confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored in coordination with all relevant agencies. While early assessments indicated limited large-scale damage, officials warned of ongoing risks from aftershocks.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) cautioned that additional injuries and destruction could result as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.

The Marmara region, where Monday’s quake was felt, is one of Turkey’s most earthquake-prone zones. Earlier this year, another 6.1-magnitude quake struck western Turkey, resulting in one fatality.

The main tremor occurred around 7:53 p.m. local time, followed by seven aftershocks measuring around magnitude 3.0, according to Turkey’s disaster ministry.