6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Turkey, No Fatalities Reported

The quake occurred at 10:48 p.m. local time (1948 GMT) at a depth of 5.99 kilometers, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) stated, and was felt across the Marmara and Aegean regions, including Istanbul and Izmir.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed no fatalities, though three unoccupied buildings and a two-story shop collapsed in Sındırgı, structures already weakened by prior seismic activity.

Yerlikaya visited the area on Tuesday, meeting affected residents who had taken shelter in cafes amid heavy rain, and extended well-wishes to those whose homes sustained heavy damage.

Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu reported 22 hospital admissions due to minor injuries from panic, such as jumping from balconies, with four discharged and no life-threatening cases.

Aftershocks continued, including magnitudes of 4.2, 3.5, 4.0, 3.9, and 4.3 at 03:42, with another 4.0 at 05:36, prompting many residents to spend the night outdoors or in covered markets and cafes despite the downpour. 

The governorship of Balıkesir announced a one-day suspension of education across the province due to the quake.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered condolences, stating AFAD and relevant agencies were conducting field surveys and monitoring developments closely.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz echoed this, noting inspections were underway and reports under review.

Expert warnings about aftershocks and risks

Earthquake experts urged caution amid ongoing activity.

Prof. Dr. Naci Görür advised residents to avoid damaged buildings, noting the region's geological instability.

Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan predicted aftershocks lasting two to three months, estimating a 30-40 km fault rupture, and warned of lowered building thresholds due to prior fatigue.

He dismissed any link to the February 2023 earthquakes in southeastern Turkey.

Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir suggested a possible "earthquake storm" with aftershocks up to magnitude 5, linked to faults activated in August.

Prof. Dr. Okan Tüysüz compared the quake's energy to the Nagasaki atomic bomb and stressed avoiding damaged structures as seismic activity persists. Prof. Dr. Şener Üşümezsoy described it as a continuation of earlier quakes in the area.