A recent earthquake in Turkey's Balikesir province has resulted in one casualty, structural damage, and a reminder of the country's frequent seismic activity.
Turkey Hit by 6.1 Magnitude Earthquake, Claims One Life
Turkey Hit by 6.1 Magnitude Earthquake, Claims One Life
Powerful quake in Balikesir province causes significant destruction and injuries.
The tranquil Sunday evening in Turkey's north-west Balikesir province turned catastrophic when a magnitude 6.1 earthquake rattled the area, leading to the death of an 81-year-old woman shortly after she was rescued from the debris in the town of Sindirgi, the epicenter of the quake. Various reports confirm that 16 buildings have collapsed, with 29 injured individuals reported following the tremors.
The earthquake struck at approximately 19:53 local time (16:53 GMT), sending shockwaves that were felt as far away as Istanbul. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his sympathies, wishing for rapid recovery for those affected, stating that all recovery efforts are under thorough inspection. “May God protect our country from any kind of disaster,” he expressed on the social media platform X.
Rescue operations have concluded, with the interior minister confirming no additional signs of severe damage or casualties were found. However, visuals coming in from Sindirgi depict skyscrapers reduced to rubble and vast amounts of debris scattered around, reflecting the intense impact of the tremor.
Turkey is known for its vulnerability to seismic activity, lying at the convergence of three significant tectonic plates, making it susceptible to regular earthquakes. Tragically, this recent quake comes on the heels of a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in February 2023, which claimed over 50,000 lives in Turkey, with an additional 5,000 fatalities reported in neighboring Syria. More than two years later, the repercussions still reverberate, leaving countless individuals displaced and in need of assistance.
The earthquake struck at approximately 19:53 local time (16:53 GMT), sending shockwaves that were felt as far away as Istanbul. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his sympathies, wishing for rapid recovery for those affected, stating that all recovery efforts are under thorough inspection. “May God protect our country from any kind of disaster,” he expressed on the social media platform X.
Rescue operations have concluded, with the interior minister confirming no additional signs of severe damage or casualties were found. However, visuals coming in from Sindirgi depict skyscrapers reduced to rubble and vast amounts of debris scattered around, reflecting the intense impact of the tremor.
Turkey is known for its vulnerability to seismic activity, lying at the convergence of three significant tectonic plates, making it susceptible to regular earthquakes. Tragically, this recent quake comes on the heels of a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in February 2023, which claimed over 50,000 lives in Turkey, with an additional 5,000 fatalities reported in neighboring Syria. More than two years later, the repercussions still reverberate, leaving countless individuals displaced and in need of assistance.
