A powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale shook western Turkey late Monday, according to the country’s emergency agency. The quake caused damage to several buildings, though no deaths or injuries were immediately reported.

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said the earthquake was centered in the town of Sindirgi, located in Balikesir province. It struck at 10:48 p.m. local time (1948 GMT) at a shallow depth of 5.99 kilometers (3.72 miles).

Tremors Felt Across Multiple Provinces

The tremors were felt in several nearby areas, including Istanbul, Bursa, Manisa, and Izmir, local media reported. News channels such as Haberturk and NTV said that some buildings in Sindirgi suffered visible structural damage. Emergency crews were dispatched to assess the situation and ensure residents’ safety.

Area Experienced Similar Quake Earlier

Sindirgi has faced similar tremors in recent months. In August, the same region was hit by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that killed one person and injured several others. Since then, the Balikesir region has experienced a series of smaller aftershocks, raising concerns among residents.

Turkey’s High Earthquake Risk

Turkey lies on several major fault lines, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries.

In 2023, a devastating 7.8-magnitude quake struck the southern part of the country, killing more than 53,000 people and destroying or damaging hundreds of thousands of buildings across 11 provinces. That disaster also affected northern Syria, where around 6,000 people lost their lives.