A powerful earthquake struck a country popular among British tourists, causing people to evacuate buildings in fear. The seismic activity, with an estimated magnitude of 6.1, originated in the Balikesir region of Turkey, sending tremors through various western provinces, including Istanbul and Izmir.
Residents in the affected areas experienced prolonged shaking, prompting panic and prompting evacuations as a precautionary measure. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that assessments are ongoing to determine the extent of the damage in the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir.
Initial reports indicated that at least three buildings and a shop collapsed in Sindirgi, though no casualties have been reported thus far. Witnesses described intense shaking, with some recounting multiple waves of tremors. The earthquake, which occurred at 10:48 pm local time, was registered at a magnitude of 6.1, according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
The earthquake’s impact was felt in densely populated cities like Istanbul and Izmir, raising concerns about potential damage and the safety of residents. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed condolences to those affected by the earthquake and emphasized the ongoing efforts to assess and manage the situation effectively. Turkey’s susceptibility to seismic activity due to its location on major fault lines underscores the importance of preparedness and response measures.
