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A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck western Turkey on Sunday evening, according to the country’s disaster management authority AFAD. The tremor was felt across multiple provinces, including areas near Istanbul, but no casualties or structural damage have been reported so far.
The earthquake occurred at approximately 7:53 PM local time in Balıkesir province, northwest Turkey, AFAD said in a statement. The epicenter was located relatively close to Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and economic hub, raising concern among residents who reported strong tremors.
Local media outlets reported that the quake was felt in Çanakkale, Bursa, Kütahya, and Istanbul, prompting brief evacuations in some residential buildings and shopping centers. However, authorities confirmed that no injuries or property damage have been officially recorded at this stage.
“Our emergency teams are actively monitoring the situation. At this time, no significant damage has been reported,” AFAD said via social media.
Turkey’s Kandilli Observatory also registered the quake and confirmed its depth to be approximately 10 kilometers, which is considered relatively shallow and can lead to more intense surface shaking.
Turkey sits on multiple active fault lines and is no stranger to seismic activity. In 1999, a 7.6 magnitude quake in nearby Izmit killed over 17,000 people, making any tremor in the region a source of national concern.
Conclusion:
Authorities continue to monitor aftershocks and have urged residents to remain calm but vigilant. Emergency protocols have been activated in Balıkesir and surrounding provinces as a precaution.
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