Powerful Earthquake Strikes Turkey: Three Buildings Collapse, 22 Injured as Residents Flee Homes in Panic

Published on: 28 Oct 2025 at 08:11 AM

Published by: Gill Bikram

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Turkey: Three Buildings Collapse, 22 Injured as Residents Flee Homes in Panic

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck western Turkey late Sunday night, shaking several provinces and leaving at least 22 people injured, authorities confirmed. The tremor caused three buildings and a two-storey shop to collapse, though no fatalities have been reported so far.

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake shook Turkey and caused buildings to collapse in Sindirgi, Balikesir province, Turkey. pic.twitter.com/TCCr4ZFvwE

— The News Spark (@TheNewsSpark) October 27, 2025

Epicenter and Impact

According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the earthquake’s epicenter was located in the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir province, at a depth of approximately 5.99 kilometers (3.72 miles). The quake was strongly felt across major provinces, including Istanbul, Bursa, Manisa, and İzmir.

Residents rushed out of their homes in fear as aftershocks followed the main tremor. Images and videos circulating online showed people gathering on the streets late into the night, some visibly shaken and crying.

Official Statements

Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said in a press briefing that three unoccupied buildings and a two-storey shop in Sındırgı collapsed during the quake. “Two people were hospitalized,” he said, adding that many others experienced dizziness and panic.

Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu reported that 22 people were injured, most of them while trying to flee their homes in panic rather than from falling debris.

President Erdoğan’s Message

In a message to the nation, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged citizens to remain vigilant and expressed prayers for everyone’s safety. He recalled that a similar 6.1-magnitude quake had struck the same region in August, resulting in one death and several injuries.

Turkey’s Earthquake History

Turkey is located on multiple active tectonic plates, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. Just last month, a 4.9-magnitude quake was recorded in the same province.

The country is still recovering from the catastrophic 7.8-magnitude earthquake of 2023, which devastated southern and southeastern Turkey, killing over 50,000 people and causing widespread destruction. The same quake also claimed 6,000 lives in neighboring Syria.