6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Northwestern Turkey, Leaves One Dead and Many Injured

Istanbul: Northwestern Turkey was struck by a powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake on Sunday evening, leaving one person dead, injuring several others, and causing widespread damage in Balikesir province.

According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), the tremor hit the Sindirgi district at 7:53 p.m. local time (1653 GMT). Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that an 81-year-old resident, rescued by emergency workers, later died from injuries. He added that many people were hurt and more than 15 buildings were destroyed.

Footage aired by NTV showed the aftermath, with collapsed structures and residents working alongside rescue crews to reach those trapped under the rubble.

Yerlikaya noted on social media platform X that the quake was felt in Istanbul and nearby provinces, prompting AFAD and other agencies to deploy teams for immediate field inspections. “We are monitoring the situation closely,” he said, as search-and-rescue operations continued late into the night.

Turkish media broadcasts showed scenes of devastation in Balikesir, with damaged buildings and emergency workers racing against time to assist survivors.