Balikesir, Turkey — A magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit the Balikesir province in northwestern Turkey on August 10, 2025, causing extensive damage including the collapse of 16 buildings and the death of one person.
The quake struck at 7:53 p.m. local time with an epicenter in the town of Sındırgı, about 10 kilometers south-southwest of Bigadiç. The seismic event was shallow, occurring at a depth of around 10 to 11 kilometers. Shocks were felt as far as 200 kilometers away in Istanbul, a city of over 16 million people.
According to official reports, an 81-year-old woman was rescued from rubble but later died. Twenty-nine others were injured, with four hospitalized though none in life-threatening condition. Several residents were trapped initially but some were rescued from collapsed buildings, including four people in Sındırgı. Nearby villages like Gölcük saw houses collapse and even a mosque minaret topple.
Following the main quake, several aftershocks were recorded, the strongest reaching magnitude 4.6. Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) cautioned people not to enter damaged structures for safety reasons.
The disaster comes two years after a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2023 that killed over 53,000 people in Turkey and caused widespread destruction.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wished speedy recovery to those affected, expressing hope the country would be spared further tragedies.
Balikesir province lies near the western end of the North Anatolian Fault Zone, a major fault line known for frequent seismic activity.
By Enoch Odesola | August 11, 2025
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