A powerful earthquake of 6.1 magnitude hit the Sindirgi district of Balikesir province in northwestern Turkey on Saturday, August 10, 2025, at 7:53 PM local time.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) said the quake struck 11 km deep, while German researchers recorded it at 6.19 magnitude and 10 km depth.
Read more: Seismic Activity Surges in Russia: 6.1 Earthquake Strikes Kuril Islands After Kamchatka’s 8.8
Key points about the earthquake:
- Aftershocks: Since the quake, seven smaller tremors with magnitudes over 3.0 have been recorded. The shaking was felt in nearby provinces like Manisa, Izmir, Usak, and Bursa.
- Casualties: Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed one person died and 29 others were injured. The victim, an 81-year-old woman, was rescued alive from the rubble of a collapsed building but later died. Four more people were rescued from the same building.
- Damage:
- 16 buildings collapsed, most of them old and unused.
- Two mosque minarets also fell.
- Rescue Operations:
- AFAD activated the Turkey Disaster Response Plan (TAMP).
- Search and rescue teams, along with vehicles, were sent from several provinces including Çanakkale, Izmir, Afyonkarahisar, Usak, Bursa, Sakarya, Kutahya, Bilecik, Manisa, and Kocaeli.
- Ongoing Efforts:
- Teams are still surveying the damaged areas.
- Disaster group representatives are meeting at AFAD’s emergency center to coordinate relief work.
- Authorities are monitoring the situation and will give updates as new information comes in.
