One dead and dozens injured as 6.1 magnitude earthquake rattles Turkey

Turkey experienced a significant seismic event on Sunday, August 10, 2025, when a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck its northwestern province of Balikesir. The quake had its epicenter in the town of Sindirgi and resulted in the collapse of more than a dozen buildings in the area. Witnesses reported the tremors were felt in major cities like Istanbul and İzmir, affecting millions of residents. Immediate rescue efforts were launched, with reports indicating that at least one person was confirmed dead and dozens injured, leading to urgent medical assistance being deployed to those affected. Mayor Serkan Sak of Sindirgi informed the media about the early rescue operations, revealing that several people had already been pulled from the debris of a building that collapsed in the town. The response from local authorities included mobilizing first responders to search for potential survivors trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to reach those in need, while residents were urged not to enter damaged buildings due to safety concerns. The disaster management agency of Turkey recorded that the earthquake was followed by multiple aftershocks, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 4.6. This situation heightened anxiety among the affected communities and prompted officials to issue notifications about the dangers of entering structurally compromised buildings. Further assessments indicated the earthquake caused significant damage, but exact figures regarding the destruction remained unclear due to communication challenges in the region. Turkey has a history of devastating earthquakes given its position on several major fault lines. The recent quake is a stark reminder of the risks faced by residents in these regions, especially in the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake earlier this year, which resulted in tens of thousands of casualties. In the wake of the Sunday earthquake, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his condolences to the families affected, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in times of crisis and wishing for a swift recovery for those injured.