A massive earthquake hit Turkey, causing buildings to collapse and residents to flee into the streets. The seismic activity, with an estimated magnitude of 6.1, struck the Balikesir region, sending tremors across various western provinces, including Istanbul and Izmir.
The prolonged shaking triggered panic and fear among affected residents, leading to injuries from falls as people rushed to safety. The earthquake resulted in the destruction of shops and buildings, intensifying concerns among the population.
Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu is closely monitoring the emergency response to the earthquake and extending well wishes to all affected citizens. No loss of life has been reported so far, but 22 individuals sustained injuries due to panic-related incidents, according to Balikesir’s governor, Ismail Ustaoglu.
In response to the earthquake, authorities have opened mosques, schools, and sports halls to shelter people who are reluctant to return to their homes. The seismic event in Sindirgi led to the collapse of several buildings, including unoccupied structures and a two-story shop that had been previously damaged in a separate earthquake.
Geologists noted that this earthquake is linked to previous seismic activity in the region, with over 430 earthquakes recorded in the past 10 days. Prof Okan Tüysüz highlighted the continuous seismic events and the need for further scientific investigation to understand the underlying fault dynamics.
Efforts are underway to assess the damage caused by the earthquake, with field surveys being conducted by relevant agencies. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed condolences to those affected and emphasized the ongoing inspection and control efforts in the affected areas.
The earthquake, which occurred near densely populated cities like Istanbul and Izmir, poses a significant risk due to Turkey’s location on major fault lines. Although some buildings sustained damage, there were no immediate reports of casualties. Turkey’s vulnerability to earthquakes underscores the importance of robust emergency preparedness and response measures.