Turkey once again witnessed terrifying tremors as the ground shook violently late on Monday night, October 27, 2025. A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Sindirgi district of Balikesir province, jolting the entire region. The tremor not only terrified local residents but was also felt in distant cities. Major urban centres such as Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir experienced noticeable shaking, prompting frightened citizens to rush out of their homes in the middle of the night.
The epicentre of the quake was recorded within Sindirgi district, with a depth of around 10 kilometres — considered quite shallow — which made the tremors more intense. The ground shook for several seconds, and debris was seen falling from the walls of old buildings across the area.
Swift Response by Rescue Teams
Soon after the quake, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and local rescue teams swung into action. They quickly reached the affected areas, launched relief operations, and began moving residents to safe locations. Initial reports indicated that three old buildings had completely collapsed. Fortunately, two of these had already been evacuated and sealed following the August 2025 earthquake, preventing any loss of life.
Several houses, shops, and government buildings in Sindirgi developed cracks. However, there has been no official confirmation of any major damage or casualties so far. Local authorities stated that a few people sustained minor injuries and were being treated at hospitals. Meanwhile, reports also emerged of a wall collapsing onto a vehicle, lightly injuring the person inside.
Life Disrupted: Flights and Schools Suspended
Fear and uncertainty gripped the quake-affected areas. Many families spent the night outdoors — in open fields, parks, and playgrounds — fearing further tremors. Authorities set up temporary shelters and ensured food and water supplies. In parts of Istanbul and Bursa, flights were temporarily suspended for safety inspections, and schools were ordered to remain closed the following day.
Public buildings and school campuses have been converted into makeshift shelters, where residents are being provided with blankets, food, and medical aid. Considering the drop in temperature, relief agencies have arranged heating facilities to ensure people do not suffer from the cold.
Previous Seismic Events Resurface in Memory
The region has a long history of seismic activity. In August 2025, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the same area, claiming one life and injuring several others. Another tremor measuring 4.9 hit the region in September 2025, after which the government declared Sindirgi and its surrounding areas a “high-risk zone.” Structural safety inspections and rebuilding plans for old constructions were then initiated.
Looking back, the devastating earthquake of February 2023 remains etched in Turkey’s collective memory — it claimed over 53,000 lives and destroyed thousands of buildings. Experts believe that the latest tremor occurred along the same fault line linked to that tragic event.
Seismologists Warn: Pressure Rising on the Anatolian Plate
Geologists have warned that Turkey’s location makes it highly vulnerable to seismic activity, as it lies at the convergence of the Anatolian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This constant tectonic stress keeps the region seismically active. The Sindirgi area, in particular, is known for its high fault-line pressure and frequent movements.
Following the main quake, several aftershocks measuring 4.2, 4.0, and 3.9 in magnitude were recorded overnight. These tremors deepened the sense of fear and uncertainty, leaving many residents reluctant to return to their homes. Experts cautioned that mild aftershocks could continue over the next few days.
Government and Relief Agencies on Alert
Turkey’s Health Minister confirmed that no serious damage or fatalities have been reported so far. Those with minor injuries are receiving medical treatment, and hospitals have been put on high alert. Relief agencies continue to closely monitor the situation in the affected areas.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has directed officials to oversee relief efforts personally. He assured citizens that the government will provide all necessary assistance and ensure everyone’s safety. Local administrations have also been instructed to identify old or unstable structures and evacuate them promptly.
Conclusion
The Sindirgi earthquake once again reminded Turkey of its fragile seismic geography. Although the tremors were intense and residents endured a night of fear, swift response from rescue teams and prior preparedness helped limit the damage this time. The main concern now revolves around aftershocks, but authorities have assured that all measures are in place to handle any situation.
Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
