- August 10, 2025
Magnitude 6.2 Earthquake Strikes Western Turkey, Authorities Report Damage
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A 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit western Turkey on August 10, causing damage, as reported by GFZ, Reuters, and BNO News.
Western Turkey was hit by a powerful earthquake Sunday night. While early reports show damage, no casualties have yet been confirmed. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
A strong earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck western Turkey on Sunday, August 10, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). Early reports from Reuters, AFP and BNO News indicated damage in affected areas, though no immediate casualties have been confirmed.
The Turkish disaster management agency, AFAD, said the quake occurred around 7:53 pm local time in Balikesir province, near Istanbul, the country’s largest city. AFAD also reported a depth of 11 km (6.8 miles) for the tremor, while GFZ registered the magnitude at 6.19 and a depth of 10 km.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya took to X to say that emergency teams from AFAD had begun inspections around Istanbul and neighbouring provinces. So far, no negative reports regarding casualties or damage have been received.
AFAD later confirmed that a 6.1-magnitude quake struck Sindirgi in western Turkey on Sunday.
Several buildings collapsed in the Balikesir province after the quake, according to images broadcast by Turkish media.
The quake hit at 7:53 pm (1653 GMT), with a 4.6-magnitude aftershock following several minutes later, according to AFAD.
Saturday’s quake was reportedly felt across several cities in western Turkey, including Istanbul and the popular tourist city of Izmir.
Turkey experienced one of its deadliest earthquakes in February 2023 when a magnitude 7.8 tremor struck southeastern regions. The disaster claimed tens of thousands of lives, injured many more and caused widespread destruction across multiple provinces.
The 2023 quake was followed by numerous aftershocks, compounding the damage and complicating rescue efforts. It remains one of the worst natural disasters in recent Turkish history, prompting a large-scale emergency response and international aid. The country’s position on several active fault lines makes it vulnerable to frequent seismic activity.
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev…Read More
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev… Read More
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