Ankara (Turkey), October 28 (Udaipur Kiran) — A powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck Balikesir Province in western Turkey late Monday night, causing widespread panic and damage. Tremors were strongly felt in Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, and Canakkale, prompting thousands of residents to rush out of their homes.
According to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the quake occurred at 10:48 p.m. local time (1948 GMT) at a depth of about 5.99 kilometers. Initial reports suggest that dozens of buildings have collapsed in Balikesir’s Sındırgı district, the epicenter of the earthquake. Fortunately, no immediate reports of casualties have been confirmed yet.
Tremors Felt for Nearly 40 Seconds
As reported by TRT World, the quake’s impact lasted between 30 and 40 seconds, shaking major western cities. Many residents described it as one of the strongest tremors they had felt in years. The Kandilli Observatory measured the quake’s magnitude at 6.0 with a depth of 11.4 kilometers.
Shortly after the main tremor, at 10:50 p.m., another aftershock of 4.2 magnitude struck the same region, deepening fears among residents already dealing with structural collapses and power outages.
Government Response
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said on the country’s social media platform that AFAD and other relevant agencies have launched inspection and relief operations. He assured the public that all developments were being closely monitored.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also confirmed that the government was tracking the situation “with utmost seriousness” and emergency teams had been dispatched to the affected areas.
Thousands Affected Across Western Turkey
The earthquake affected millions of people across western Turkey. In Sındırgı, local Mayor Sak confirmed that several buildings had collapsed, though detailed damage assessments were still underway. The Health Ministry reported that no major injuries had been officially recorded so far but warned residents to stay alert due to the risk of continuing aftershocks.
A Region Prone to Disasters
Turkey lies on major seismic fault lines and has a long history of devastating earthquakes. The region around Balikesir has experienced over 12,000 tremors since August 10, highlighting its vulnerability. Experts have long warned that nearby Istanbul, a metropolis of over 15 million people, is also at high risk of a major quake.
Authorities have urged citizens to stay outdoors in safe open areas, avoid using elevators, and follow instructions from emergency teams.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
