On October 27, 2025, a significant earthquake struck near Balıkesir’s Sındırgı district, registering a magnitude of 6.1. The earthquake occurred at 10:48 PM local time, originating from a depth of approximately 5.99 kilometers. This seismic event was felt in major cities, including Istanbul and Izmir.
Damage Report and Response
In the aftermath, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that four buildings collapsed. Three of these structures were residential, while one was a commercial establishment. These buildings had sustained damages in a prior earthquake in August and were not in use at the time.
Following the quake, over ten aftershocks were recorded. The military and emergency services conducted immediate surveys in nearby villages to assess the situation. Fortunately, initial reports indicated that no casualties were reported.
Authorities’ Statements
- Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that “all teams from AFAD and our affiliated institutions have begun field surveys immediately.”
- Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced, “No adverse incidents have been reported to our ministry units so far.”
- A representative from Sındırgı State Hospital stated that they received no injuries related to the earthquake.
Public Reaction and Expert Analysis
As the area experienced an increase in mobile network traffic, officials confirmed that communication remained uninterrupted. Geological experts also weighed in on the event. Professor Okan Tüysüz compared the earthquake’s impact to that of the Nagasaki atomic bomb, emphasizing caution around damaged structures.
He noted that there had been over 12,000 seismic activities in the Sındırgı region since August 10, suggesting ongoing seismic risks following this major tremor. Fellow professor Naci Görür warned that the geological nature of the area continues to produce earthquakes.
Additionally, Professor Şener Üşümezsoy clarified that this earthquake originated from the mountains beneath Sındırgı and would not affect the Marmara region.
Background Context
This earthquake follows a previous one on August 11, 2025, which resulted in the destruction of 16 buildings, one fatality, and 29 injuries. Experts continue to stress the importance of avoiding damaged structures in the region as seismic activity persists.
