Turkiye's Balikesir Quake: A Wake-up Call on Fault Line Vulnerability
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Turkiye's Balikesir province, resulting in one fatality and collapsing multiple buildings. Rescue efforts have concluded, revealing minimal casualties beyond the initial reports. Turkiye's vulnerability to seismic activity is underscored by this event, echoing previous disasters that emphasize its position on active fault lines.
- Country:
- Turkiye
A significant seismic event impacted northwestern Turkiye's Balikesir province on Sunday evening. The earthquake, measuring 6.1 magnitude, resulted in at least one fatality and caused the collapse of over a dozen buildings, as confirmed by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya to Al Jazeera. The tremor's epicenter was located in Sindirgi, occurring at a depth of 11 km.
Authorities reported that four individuals were extricated from the debris of a collapsed home, with three victims requiring hospitalization. Tragically, an 81-year-old succumbed to injuries post-rescue. Nearly 30 individuals sustained injuries due to the quake, which reverberated across several provinces, reaching the megacity of Istanbul. Six aftershocks were recorded within the first hour, including a significant one of 4.6 magnitude.
Minister Yerlikaya confirmed the completion of search and rescue operations, assuring there were no further signs of extensive damage or additional casualties. He noted that public utilities remained functional throughout. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered consolation to affected communities amidst Turkiye's ongoing susceptibility to seismic threats, a reminder of previous devastating quakes.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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