Powerful Earthquake Strikes Turkey, Causing Significant Damage
On Sunday evening, August 10, 2025, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck the western part of Turkey, centered near the town of Sindirgi in Balikesir province. The tremor occurred at 7:53 p.m. local time, at a shallow depth of about 11 kilometers (around 7 miles) beneath the earth’s surface, reports 24brussels.
The quake was felt across many nearby cities, including Istanbul, İzmir, Bursa, and Kocaeli, prompting residents to evacuate buildings due to tremors that lasted approximately 20 to 30 seconds. Significant damage was reported in Sindirgi, where at least ten structures, including houses and apartments, collapsed or were severely affected. Sindirgi’s mayor, Serkan Sak, disclosed that four individuals had been rescued alive from the rubble of a three-story building occupied by six people, with ongoing efforts to locate two others trapped beneath debris. Additionally, several homes in the nearby village of Gölcük suffered destruction, including the collapse of a mosque’s minaret.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Agency of Turkey (AFAD) noted multiple aftershocks, ranging from magnitudes 4.0 to 4.6, exacerbating concerns and complicating rescue operations. No comprehensive death toll was provided immediately, although preliminary reports suggested at least one fatality. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya later confirmed one death—an 81-year-old individual—and approximately 29 injuries, with four hospitalized, none in critical condition. Rescue operations have since concluded with no additional casualties reported.
Turkey’s susceptibility to earthquakes has raised alarms, as the nation is situated on several active fault lines. The recent seismic event serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake in February 2023, which resulted in over 53,000 deaths and extensive destruction in southern and southeastern Turkey. This history underlines the critical need for disaster preparedness and effective emergency response strategies.
In the aftermath, local and national authorities advised the public to steer clear of damaged structures and remain alert for potential aftershocks. Emergency teams, alongside government agencies, quickly mobilized to assess the situation and provide support to affected communities. Despite serious damage in Sindirgi and surrounding areas, this earthquake was less devastating than prior events in Turkey.
The mayor of Balikesir, the provincial capital, expressed optimism regarding the community’s recovery and emphasized the hope that no further casualties would arise. Hospitals are currently treating individuals with minor injuries from falling debris or the shock of the quake.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the persistent seismic risks facing Turkey, highlighting the necessity for ongoing investments in building safety and enhancements to emergency response frameworks. Given Turkey’s geological context, the occurrence of future earthquakes is inevitable, necessitating heightened preparedness from both officials and residents.
