6.1 Magnitude Quake Hits Sindirgi, Felt Across Istanbul Region

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Sindirgi district in Turkey's western Balikesir province late Monday, generating strong tremors that were felt as far away as Istanbul, the country's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said.

AFAD said the quake occurred at about 10:48 p.m. local time (1948 GMT) at a shallow depth of roughly 5.99 kilometres (3.72 miles). The shallow focus made the shaking widely perceptible across western Turkey, prompting residents to evacuate buildings and gather outdoors.

Officials reported no deaths at this stage. Sindirgi district administrator Dogukan Koyuncu told Anadolu Agency that "assessments are still underway," and that search, rescue and inspection teams were conducting on-site checks for structural damage. Several people were injured, mainly after falling while fleeing buildings in panic, authorities said.

Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoğlu said at least 22 people suffered injuries related to panic-induced falls, adding that medical teams were treating those affected. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya noted that three empty houses and a two-storey shop collapsed in Sindirgi; these structures had been weakened by an earlier quake and were more vulnerable to the latest shaking.

Vice-President Cevdet Yilmaz posted on the social platform NSosyal that AFAD and other relevant agencies have launched field inspections and were reviewing reports. "All necessary measures are being taken to protect our citizens," he wrote, pointing to the rapid mobilisation of response teams.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a message of sympathy to those affected, saying authorities and AFAD teams were continuing thorough inspections and control work in the area to safeguard public safety.

Emergency services and local rescue units have been deployed across Balikesir and neighbouring districts. Residents have been urged to keep calm and follow official updates from AFAD and the Interior Ministry. Experts at the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute warned that aftershocks could follow and advised people to stay away from damaged buildings.

The event underscores Turkey's exposure to seismic risk, as the country sits atop several major fault systems. Turkey has endured multiple significant earthquakes in recent years, including the devastating February 2023 quake that heavily affected southern Turkey and northern Syria.

AFAD and local authorities remain engaged in assessing the full scope of damage in Sindirgi. Teams are working to restore services after reports of localized power outages and minor communication disruptions in rural areas.

Residents in affected zones are asked to heed official guidance and avoid returning to unstable structures until inspections are complete. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as assessments progress.