A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit western Turkey on Sunday, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported, according to Reuters.
AFAD stated that tremors were felt across multiple provinces. The quake occurred around 19:53 local time in Balikesir province, near Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul. Currently, no casualties or significant damages have been reported.
Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya wrote on platform “X” that AFAD emergency teams have begun inspections.
The earthquake struck at a depth of 11 kilometers.
Serkan Sak, mayor of the Sindirgi district in Balikesir, reported that around 10 buildings collapsed but emphasized that there are no reports of fatalities. Four people were rescued alive from one collapsed building, and search efforts continue for two others.
Following the 6.1 magnitude quake, several aftershocks were recorded with magnitudes of 4.6, 4.1, 4.0, 4.2, and 3.5.
