The Balıkesir province in Türkiye shook on Sunday night due to a strong earthquake. At 8 p.m., near the city of Sındırgı, a 6.1-magnitude quake struck at a depth of 11 km underground. Buildings collapsed, and people rushed outside in fear.
An 81-year-old person died shortly after being rescued from the rubble. Another 29 people sustained injuries. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya told the public that none of them were seriously hurt. Rescue teams completed their operations quickly. Sixteen buildings collapsed.
More than 237 aftershocks followed, 10 of them measuring 4.0 magnitude or higher. The quake was strongly felt even in the distant cities of Istanbul and Izmir. Many people spent the night outdoors or in their vehicles.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan wrote on social media, praying for God to protect the country from disasters. He wished all the injured a speedy recovery.
