Turkey Wakes Up to 6.1-Magnitude Earthquake: Tremor Felt Across Six Provinces

Turkey’s western region was jolted early Tuesday by a 6.1-magnitude earthquake centered in Balıkesir’s Sındırgı district. The tremor was felt across Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Kocaeli, Tekirdağ and Balıkesir, sending residents into the streets in panic. No casualties have been reported so far, though several damaged buildings collapsed.

Powerful Quakes Strike in Succession

According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the first earthquake — measuring 6.1 in magnitude and occurring at a shallow depth — struck at around 4:21 a.m. local time. Two aftershocks of 4.2 and 4.1 magnitudes followed shortly afterward.

The quake was felt across much of western Turkey, including Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Kocaeli, Tekirdağ and Balıkesir, prompting thousands to leave their homes.

Mayor Sak: “No Loss of Life, but Panic in the City”

Sındırgı Mayor Serkan Sak told Halk TV that early assessments revealed 2 to 3 buildings had collapsed, though there were no reports of fatalities.

“A 6.1-magnitude quake struck our Aktaş neighborhood, close to the surface,” Sak said. “We’ve identified 2–3 collapsed structures so far. There’s panic among residents, but thankfully no loss of life. Our municipal teams are conducting field inspections.”

Sak added that electricity was temporarily cut off, and one abandoned building adjacent to the municipality had collapsed.

Interior and Health Ministers Confirm No Fatalities

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya told CNN Türk that the two buildings and a small commercial property that collapsed had already been vacated due to previous earthquake damage.

“There’s no indication of casualties. Initial assessments show no destruction in nearby villages. I’m en route to the quake zone to coordinate efforts,” Yerlikaya said.

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu later confirmed that 19 people were injured, mostly from jumping or falling during the tremor. Four have been discharged, and all others are in stable condition.

Seismologist Görür Warns: “Stay Away from Damaged Buildings”

Prominent geologist Prof. Dr. Naci Görür commented on social media that the earthquake occurred along the Gediz Graben fault system, warning that the region remains seismically active:

“This area is part of a horst (uplift) structure that’s breaking apart. Similar faults in Gördes, Demirci, Selendi, and Uşak continue to produce quakes. People should stay away from structurally damaged homes.”

Prof. Üşümezsoy: “A Continuation of the Sındırgı Fault Movement”

Another leading geologist, Prof. Dr. Şener Üşümezsoy, said the Sındırgı quake was part of an ongoing fault rupture sequence he had previously identified:

“It’s a continuation of the Sındırgı segment, stretching about 100 km. The quake occurred in the southern highlands, not directly beneath the town. There’s no expectation of a larger event in the immediate area.”

Authorities Urge Caution as Aftershocks Continue

AFAD confirmed that several aftershocks are ongoing, and damage assessment teams have been deployed across the district.
Residents have been urged not to re-enter damaged structures until full safety inspections are completed.