Strong earthquake hits western Turkey, Erdogan says situation under control

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of around 6.1 struck western Turkey’s Balikesir province late on Monday, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said.

The epicenter was near the Sındırgı district, and the tremor was felt in nearby cities, including Istanbul. Several buildings were reported damaged, and some people sustained injuries, according to preliminary information.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on social media that state agencies were controlling the situation on the ground. “I extend my condolences to our citizens affected by the earthquake. Relevant institutions led by AFAD are conducting assessments and managing the response,” he said.

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu said emergency teams had been dispatched to the affected areas and that no deaths had been confirmed so far.