6.1-magnitude earthquake jolts western Turkey

August 10, 2025 / 11:16 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the town of Sindirgi in western Turkey on Sunday, according to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The quake was felt in multiple cities across western Turkey, including Istanbul and Izmir.

No fatalities reported, rescue operations ongoing

While no deaths have been reported, the quake caused the collapse of around 10 buildings in Sindirgi, the earthquake's epicentre. This included a three-storey building in the city centre, according to Sindirgi Mayor Serkan Sak, speaking on NTV.

“Six people lived in this three-storey building. Four were rescued from the rubble,” Sak said, adding that efforts to reach the remaining two individuals are ongoing.

Aftershocks and structural damage

AFAD reported several aftershocks ranging from 3.5 to 4.6 magnitude following the main quake, which struck at 7:53 pm local time (1653 GMT). Mayor Sak confirmed that mosques and buildings were destroyed, but reiterated that there were no casualties reported so far.

Turkey’s ongoing seismic vulnerability

Turkey lies on several major geological fault lines and is highly prone to seismic activity. In February 2023, a massive earthquake in the country’s southwest claimed over 53,000 lives and devastated the ancient city of Antakya.

More recently, in early July, a 5.8-magnitude tremor in the same region resulted in one death and 69 injuries, underscoring the country's continued earthquake risk.