A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Sindirgi district of Balikesir province in Turkey on Saturday at 19:53 local time, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).
The tremor was strongly felt in surrounding provinces, including Manisa, Izmir, Usak, and Bursa. Since the initial quake, AFAD has recorded seven aftershocks measuring above magnitude 3.0.
Authorities have activated the Turkey Disaster Response Plan (TAMP), dispatching personnel and vehicles from multiple provincial directorates to assist in search and rescue efforts. Field surveys are underway, and the AFAD Presidency Disaster and Emergency Management Center will host representatives from all disaster groups to coordinate the response.
In a statement, AFAD confirmed that teams from Çanakkale, Izmir, Afyonkarahisar, Usak, Bursa, Sakarya, Kutahya, Bilecik, Manisa, and Kocaeli have been deployed to the affected areas. “We extend our best wishes to the citizens impacted by the earthquake. The situation is being closely monitored, and developments will be shared,” the agency said.
Updates are expected as authorities continue to assess the impact.