Ankara, August 11 (HS): A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck Turkey’s northwestern Balıkesir province on Sunday evening, causing structural collapses, injuring several people, and triggering large-scale emergency response operations.

According to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the quake occurred at 7:53 PM local time, with its epicenter located near Sındırgı, approximately 11 kilometers below the surface. Tremors were felt across a wide region, including Istanbul, prompting warnings for residents to stay clear of damaged buildings due to the risk of aftershocks.

Initial reports indicate that multiple multi-story buildings have been severely damaged or collapsed, and significant numbers of residents were injured. Emergency and rescue teams from AFAD and other agencies have been deployed to conduct search, rescue, and relief efforts in the affected areas.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that while extensive property damage has been recorded, no large-scale fatalities have yet been reported. “Our priority is to ensure the safety of our citizens and provide immediate assistance,” he said, urging vigilance and caution.

The quake has revived memories of Turkey’s devastating 2023 earthquake, when a 7.8-magnitude tremor killed more than 53,000 people, flattened entire neighborhoods in 11 provinces, and left lasting scars across the nation and neighboring Syria, where an additional 6,000 people lost their lives.

Authorities are continuing damage assessments and relief coordination, while seismic experts warn of the potential for aftershocks in the coming days. AFAD has urged anyone in affected areas to heed official guidance and avoid re-entering compromised structures.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar