TURKEY — August 11, 2025
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey’s Balikesir province on Sunday evening, leaving one person dead and injuring at least 29 others. The tremor, which hit at 7:53 PM local time, was centered in the town of Sindirgi and felt across several western cities including Istanbul and Izmir.
According to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the quake triggered over 20 aftershocks, the strongest measuring 4.6. Sixteen buildings collapsed in Sindirgi and surrounding areas, including a three-story residential structure where six people were trapped. Rescue teams pulled several survivors from the rubble, but an 81-year-old woman died shortly after being rescued.
More than 300 emergency responders were deployed to the affected zone, with search and rescue operations continuing through the night. Authorities have urged residents to avoid entering damaged buildings due to ongoing seismic activity.
Turkey, situated atop major fault lines, remains highly vulnerable to earthquakes. The country is still recovering from the catastrophic 7.8-magnitude quake in 2023 that claimed over 53,000 lives.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extended condolences and called for national solidarity, stating, “May God protect our country from all disasters.”