A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the town of Sindirgi, in western Turkey's Balikesir province, late this evening, according to the national disaster management agency. The quake, recorded at 10:48 PM local time, was also felt in other western cities, including Istanbul and Izmir, but no casualties have been reported so far.

"Following the earthquake, which was also felt in surrounding provinces, AFAD and all teams from our relevant institutions immediately began work on the ground," Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said. Images of at least one destroyed building and other damaged buildings in Sindirgi were broadcast by the private news agency DHA.

Last August, an earthquake of the same magnitude in Sindirgi left one dead and twenty-nine injured. Turkey is crossed by several fault lines that have caused numerous tragedies in the past. In February 2023, the southeastern part of the country was struck by a powerful earthquake that killed at least 53,000 people and devastated Antakya, formerly known as Antioch.

(Unioneonline)

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