6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Turkey, 6 Dead

A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake shook several cities in northwestern Turkey, killing at least six people and injuring around 29 others.

The quake struck on Sunday at 7:53 PM local time. Its epicenter was in the Sindirgi district of Balıkesir Province, at a depth of 11 kilometers. The tremors were felt in Istanbul and other surrounding areas.

At least 16 buildings and two mosque minarets collapsed. Several people were trapped under the rubble. One elderly woman was rescued alive but later died from her injuries.

Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the injured are receiving treatment in hospitals and that rescue operations have concluded. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed sympathy for the victims and assured that aid efforts are ongoing.

Turkey is located on a major fault line and frequently experiences earthquakes. In 2023, a devastating 7.8 magnitude quake in the southeastern region killed more than 50,000 people.