World

Strong earthquake hits western Turkey, killing at least 1

Published on

August 10, 2025

Collapsed building in Balıkesir

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake has struck western Turkey, destroying more than a dozen buildings near the epicenter and killing at least one person, according to witnesses and local officials. Shaking was felt as far away as Istanbul and İzmir.

The earthquake happened at 7:53 p.m. on Sunday and was centered near Sındırgı in Balıkesir Province, about 51 kilometers southeast of Balıkesir, or 206 kilometers southwest of Istanbul.

Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.1, with a depth of 11 kilometers. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed the magnitude.

Sındırgı Mayor Serkan Sak told local media that at least 10 buildings had collapsed in the area, though the extent of the damage in nearby villages was still unclear, in part because of communication difficulties. Buildings also collapsed in Balıkesir.

Actress Eylül Tumbar said her great-aunt and uncle were among those trapped under the rubble in Balıkesir, but only her great-aunt could be saved. “They couldn’t save my uncle, may he rest in peace. Still, I thank everyone who tried to help,” she said on X.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), an estimated 31.8 million people may have felt Sunday’s earthquake, including 228,000 people who may have experienced “strong” to “severe” shaking. The strongest shaking was in Golcuk, Bigadic, and Sindirgi.

Click here to watch live TV coverage from CNN Turk