ISTANBUL: A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Sindirgi in western Turkiye yesterday, the country’s disaster management agency (AFAD) reported.
The tremors were felt in several western cities, including Istanbul and the popular tourist destination of Izmir. Officials have not yet provided details on possible casualties or damage.
According to Turkish media reports, several buildings in Balikesir province collapsed following the quake.
AFAD reported that the quake struck at 7:53 pm local time (9:53 pm PKT), followed minutes later by a 4.6-magnitude aftershock.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) also recorded both the quake and the aftershock at a depth of 10 kilometres.
Turkey lies on multiple geological fault lines that have historically triggered devastating earthquakes.
In February 2023, a quake in the southwest killed over 53,000 people and destroyed much of Antakya, the ancient city of Antioch.
Earlier this July, a 5.8-magnitude tremor in the same area left one person dead and injured 69 others.
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