6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Collapses Buildings, Injures 29 in Western Turkey

A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck western Turkey, centered in the town of Sindirgi, Balikesir province, causing several buildings to collapse and widespread tremors felt across Istanbul, Bursa, Manisa, and Izmir. Officials report that at least three buildings and a shop, previously damaged in an earlier August tremor, collapsed, with some injuries primarily due to panic-induced falls and balcony jumps. Authorities, including Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management agency (AFAD) and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, are conducting damage assessments and caution that casualties and further damage could occur. The region, part of the seismically active Marmara zone, experienced multiple aftershocks, and emergency shelters have been set up for residents hesitant to return indoors amid ongoing tremors and rain. This recent quake follows a similar magnitude 6.1 earthquake in August that resulted in one fatality and numerous injuries. Turkey remains vulnerable to frequent seismic activity due to its location on major fault lines, underscored by past devastating earthquakes in the country.