A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir Province in western Turkey on Monday evening, causing property damage but no reported human casualties. The quake, which occurred at a depth of approximately six kilometers, was felt as far away as Istanbul and Izmir.
Authorities opened mosques, sports halls, and schools to shelter residents affected by the tremor.
According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said over 500 reports of damage were received, including 25 buildings, and education across the province was suspended for one day.
Turkey lies on one of the world’s most seismically active regions, intersected by multiple active faults including the North Anatolian Fault. Following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in February 2023, which caused tens of thousands of casualties, authorities have strengthened risk mitigation measures and emergency response preparedness nationwide.
