A magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck Turkey’s north-western Balikesir province at 19:53 local time on Sunday, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The German Research Centre for Geosciences measured the quake at a depth of roughly 10–11 kilometres, with tremors felt across at least 11 provinces, including Istanbul some 200 kilometres to the north. The epicentre in the Sindirgi district saw severe structural damage. Sindirgi Mayor Serkan Sak said about a dozen buildings, among them a three-storey residence and a mosque minaret, collapsed. Four people were pulled alive from the rubble, while rescue teams worked to free at least two others still trapped. Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu reported that four people were receiving hospital treatment and none were in life-threatening condition. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said rapid field assessments were under way and, so far, no significant damage had been detected in Istanbul. Authorities urged residents to avoid weakened structures. AFAD recorded several aftershocks, the strongest at magnitude 4.6, and advised people to stay clear of damaged buildings. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed well-wishes and pledged federal support as search-and-rescue operations continued into the night. Turkey straddles major fault lines and experiences frequent seismic activity. In 2023 a magnitude-7.8 earthquake killed more than 53,000 people, underscoring the persistent risk highlighted by Sunday’s tremor.