A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 hit Turkey's western region on Sunday night, shaking houses in some provinces and prompting residents to spill onto the streets. The quake, which occurred at 7:53 local time, was located in the Balikesir province just outside the town of Sındirgi, some 200 kilometers west of Istanbul.
Turkey's disaster management department AFAD recorded the earthquake at a depth of 11 kilometers, whereas German GFZ recorded it as 6.19 magnitude and 10 kilometers deep. Both values point to an epicenter at a shallow depth, which generally produces more intense ground shaking on the surface.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that emergency units were sent to view damaged areas in Istanbul and surrounding provinces. No casualties or major damage have been reported, but Turkish local news site Türkiye Today wrote that one building fell in Sindirgi. Evaluations continue.
People over a vast region experienced the quake, such as in Istanbul, Bursa, Izmir, Manisa, Aydın, Kutahya, Eskisehir, Sakarya, Tekirdag, and Yalova. Most said the quake struck with a quick jolt followed by some seconds of shaking.
The site of the quake is along the North Anatolian Fault, which is one of the most active seismic areas in the world. Western Turkey has moderate to strong earthquakes frequently, and even relatively weak tremors can be disturbing in populated regions. A 6.2 quake in the Sea of Marmara injured dozens and temporarily displaced thousands earlier this year.
Balikesir also witnessed previous earthquakes, such as the 2019 magnitude 5.0 earthquake that caused structural damage and injuries. The recent earthquake has brought earthquake preparedness into focus, particularly in Istanbul where millions reside in old buildings.
AFAD has advised citizens to stay alert and ready for potential aftershocks. Authorities suggest staying away from structures that have been damaged and having emergency supplies readily available.
This earthquake is a grim reminder of Turkey's susceptibility to seismic risk and the imperative for eternal alertness in a country where the earth underfoot is never, ever stationary.
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