6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Turkey, Triggering Panic and Reviving Trauma

ISTANBUL – A significant earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.1 struck western Turkey late Monday night, sending tremors across the region, including the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, and reviving painful memories of recent catastrophes. While initial reports indicated no widespread casualties, the quake caused property damage and injured several people.

The Initial Impact

The quake struck at 10:48 p.m. local time (1948 GMT), according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD). Its epicenter was located near the town of Sindirgi in Balikesir province, a hilly area inland from the Aegean coast. The tremor was shallow, amplifying its felt intensity across a wide area.

Major cities, including the tourist hub of Izmir and the capital of over 15 million people, Istanbul, reported strong shaking. Residents in multi-story buildings described scenes of panic as furniture shifted and hanging lights swung violently. Many fled their homes to gather in open spaces, a now-ingrained reaction following the devastating February 2023 quakes.

Damage and Initial Response

While a major disaster appears to have been averted, the quake left its mark. The private Demirören News Agency (DHA) broadcast images from Sindirgi showing at least one house completely collapsed and several others with significant cracks and damage. Reports of minor injuries from falls or being struck by falling objects began to trickle in from the affected region.

Authorities immediately mobilized a response. “Following the earthquake, which was also felt in surrounding regions, AFAD and all of its teams… have begun working on the ground,” Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated on the social media platform X.

Search and rescue teams were dispatched to the epicentral area to conduct checks for anyone potentially trapped in the rubble. AFAD also reported that they were assessing the structural integrity of public buildings and had set up emergency coordination centers.

A Region Haunted by Seismic History

The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of Turkey’s precarious position on active fault lines. The country is crisscrossed by major geological fractures, including the North Anatolian Fault, which runs near Istanbul, and the Aegean Graben System, which was responsible for this latest event.

The memory of recent quakes is still raw:

• August 2023: A quake of the same magnitude in the same region of Sindirgi killed one person and injured dozens.

• July 2024: Just weeks ago, a 5.8-magnitude tremor in the same general area resulted in one death and 69 injuries.

• February 2023: The catastrophic 7.8-magnitude earthquake in southeast Turkey and parts of Syria killed at least 53,000 people and leveled entire cities, including the ancient city of Antakya. The disaster exposed critical flaws in construction standards and emergency preparedness.

Looking Ahead

As aftershocks continued to rattle the region, authorities urged citizens to remain calm and avoid damaged buildings. The event has intensified public debate about the readiness of Turkey’s infrastructure, particularly in Istanbul, for a long-predicted major quake. For millions, the night’s tremor was not just a geological event, but a chilling rehearsal for a disaster many seismologists believe is inevitable.

Support Dawat Media Center

If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
DNB Bank AC # 0530 2294668
Account for international payments: NO15 0530 2294 668
Vipps: #557320

  Donate Here