Strong Earthquake of Magnitude 6.1 Strikes Western Türkiye

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On the evening of 27 October, a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 occurred in western Türkiye, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported.

The epicenter was located near the town of Sındırgı in Balıkesir Province, at a depth of approximately 7 kilometers.

The tremors were felt across many regions of the country, including Istanbul, İzmir, and Bursa. According to Anadolu Agency, some settlements experienced partial building collapses and infrastructure damage.

Preliminary information from the Turkish Ministry of Interior indicates that there were no fatalities, although at least 20 people sustained minor injuries, mainly due to panic or falls during the earthquake.

Emergency units from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) have been dispatched to the affected area. Damage assessments are underway near the epicenter, and temporary shelters have been organized for residents who evacuated their homes.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan instructed regional authorities to ensure prompt response and comprehensive assistance to the affected areas.

Seismologists have warned of possible aftershocks in the coming 24 hours. In several provinces, school and institutional activities have been temporarily suspended.

Türkiye is located in a high seismic activity zone. The last major earthquake occurred in February 2023 in the country’s southeast, causing widespread destruction.