Earthquake Hits Turkey’s Balikesir Province
A significant earthquake measuring 6.1 struck the northwestern province of Balikesir in Turkey on Sunday. This natural disaster has tragically resulted in the death of at least one person and left around 29 others injured, as reported by local officials.
The quake’s epicenter was located in the town of Sindirgi, and its effects reverberated over 200 kilometers away, felt strongly in Istanbul, which is home to more than 16 million residents.
Reports indicate that an elderly woman lost her life shortly after being rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building in Sindirgi. Thankfully, other survivors were successfully rescued from the wreckage. The Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed that a total of 16 buildings collapsed in the region, with most being abandoned structures. Additionally, two mosque minarets also fell due to the tremors.
While there were injuries reported, the minister assured that none of the wounded individuals are in critical condition. Rescue teams working diligently at the scene were seen asking for silence to listen for any signs of life trapped beneath the debris.
In response to the earthquake, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority noted that multiple aftershocks followed, including one with a magnitude of 4.6. Citizens have been urged to stay away from damaged buildings for their safety.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his hopes for a swift recovery for all those impacted by the earthquake, stating, “May God protect our country from any disasters.”
Turkey sits on major fault lines, making it prone to earthquakes, which have become frequent occurrences in the region. Earlier this year, a devastating 7.8 magnitude quake claimed over 53,000 lives across Turkey, causing severe damage to numerous buildings in 11 provinces and resulting in further casualties in northern Syria.
