Istanbul (26 October 2025): A powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck western Turkey late Monday night, shaking major cities including Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, and Manisa. The quake’s epicenter was reported in Sındırgı, Balikesir province, at a depth of around 6 kilometers, according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
The earthquake caused several buildings to collapse and led to widespread panic, though no casualties have been reported so far.
“So far, we have not identified any loss of life, but our assessment is ongoing,” said District Administrator Dogukan Koyuncu while speaking to the Anadolu Agency.
🔴 Tremors Felt for Up to 40 Seconds
Residents in Istanbul and Izmir described the quake as long and intense, lasting between 30 and 40 seconds. Many people rushed out of their homes, reciting prayers and gathering in open spaces.
Local TV channel Habertürk reported that several residents were too afraid to return indoors due to continuous aftershocks.
Within minutes of the main quake, a 4.2-magnitude aftershock hit the same region at a depth of 7 km, AFAD confirmed.
🏚️ Buildings Damaged, Emergency Teams Deployed
Early reports from Sındırgı’s Mayor, Ekrem Sakin, confirmed collapsed structures in the affected area. Emergency response teams, search units, and AFAD personnel have been dispatched for assessment and rescue operations.
Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on social media:
“AFAD and all relevant institutions began field inspections immediately after the earthquake. Our thoughts are with all affected citizens.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also stated that authorities are “closely monitoring the situation,” ensuring that response units remain on high alert.
⚠️ Turkey’s Earthquake Risk Zone
Turkey lies on major fault lines, making it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. The North Anatolian Fault, running close to Istanbul and the Marmara region, is among the most active seismic zones globally.
Just in August 2025, the same Sındırgı area experienced a 6.1-magnitude earthquake that killed one person and injured dozens. Since then, more than 12,000 aftershocks have been recorded in the Balikesir region.
The country is still recovering from the devastating 2023 earthquakes, which killed over 55,000 people and destroyed thousands of homes.
🕙 Key Details of the Earthquake in Turkey
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Date: October 26, 2025
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Magnitude: 6.1 (AFAD) / 6.0 (Kandilli Observatory)
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Depth: 5.9–11.4 km
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Epicenter: Sındırgı, Balikesir Province
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Areas Affected: Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Manisa, Çanakkale
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Aftershocks: 4.2 magnitude recorded soon after main quake
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Casualties: None reported yet
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Response: AFAD, local police, and health teams deployed
