Earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 shakes Balıkesir, forcing residents to stay outdoors due to aftershocks
In the early evening of August 10, 2025, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir, Turkey. The tremors were felt as far as 200 kilometers north, in Istanbul.
Damage
The earthquake left a trail of destruction in its wake. A total of 16 buildings collapsed, including a three-story apartment block and two mosque minarets. Over 700 buildings were severely damaged, and 61 sustained slight damage. Seventy-three mosques were affected, with most collapsed or damaged buildings being uninhabited or abandoned. A sinkhole appeared in a rural area near Odunpazarı in Eskişehir Province, and eight houses were damaged in nearby Manisa.
Casualties
The tragedy claimed the lives of two elderly individuals: an 81-year-old woman and an 82-year-old man. The man was rescued from a collapsed building but later succumbed to his injuries. At least 29 people were reported injured, with 52 hospitalized due to injuries or panic.
Aftershocks
The earthquake was followed by several aftershocks, the strongest of which measured 4.6. Additional light earthquakes were recorded near Balıkesir on August 18, with magnitudes around 3.5 and 2.9.
Response and Ongoing Concerns
Around 1,100 search and rescue personnel and 50 teams were deployed for damage assessments. Rescue operations lasted through the night immediately after the quake. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unstable structures due to a high risk of further collapses. The owner and contractor of one collapsed building where a fatality occurred were taken into custody on suspicion of negligence.
Drone footage and ongoing reports confirm the widespread impact and the continuation of rescue and assessment efforts across Balıkesir and surrounding provinces, including Istanbul. Many residents continue to spend their nights outdoors due to ongoing aftershocks and safety concerns.
[1]: Link to drone footage of the devastation [2]: News article about the aftermath [3]: Official statement from the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority [4]: Local resident's account of the earthquake [5]: SEO-friendly keyword-stuffed article about the earthquake
- In the aftermath of the disaster, health-and-wellness practitioners and fitness-and-exercise experts have strongly advised residents to prioritize self-care, emphasizing the importance of stress management and mental health during this challenging time.
- As sports events resumed in the affected regions, football matches saw a surge in interest, serving as a unifying force to boost the morale and spirit of the recovery process, with many local football clubs pledging to donate a portion of their proceeds to earthquake relief efforts.
