Powerful earthquake hits Turkey: Residents flee in panic; Buildings collapse PHOTO/VIDEO

According to seismological services, the earthquake was recorded on October 27, 2025, at 10:48:29 p.m. local time.

The epicenter was located at coordinates 39.1538°N latitude and 28.2184°E longitude, 62 kilometers southeast of Balıkesir and 10 kilometers south of Sındırgı.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that at least three buildings and one store collapsed in Sındırgı.

Firefighters reported that the three buildings were uninhabited, having been damaged in a previous earthquake in August.

According to eyewitness reports published on the EMSC website, the earthquake was strong and lasted a long time.

The tremors were felt in Istanbul and the neighboring provinces of Bursa, Manisa, and Izmir, reports Habeturk TV.

The earthquake caused prolonged shaking, triggering panic and fear among residents of the affected areas. The extended duration of the tremor heightened concern, as people fled buildings seeking safety, reports turkiyetoday.com.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the relevant authorities are carefully conducting on-site investigations and added that the situation is being closely monitored.

Citizens take to the streets

Some residents in Manisa and Izmir went out onto the streets due to the earthquake, which was felt across the city.

The Minister of Health said that the 6.1-magnitude earthquake is being closely monitored in coordination with all relevant institutions and that no negative incidents have been reported to the ministry so far.

Collapsed abandoned house in the village of Alçaltı

“The shaking was strong, but currently there is no negative situation. Our initial findings show that an abandoned house has collapsed,” said a local resident.

He added that a wall that fell in the village damaged one vehicle and stated:

“We continue to survey the village.”

Governor of the Sindirgi District: Collapses reported in several locations

The earthquake, felt across many regions of the Marmara and Aegean Seas—including Balikesir, Izmir, Bursa, Istanbul, Tekirdag, Kocaeli, and Sakarya—occurred at a depth of 5.99 kilometers.

“Currently, there are collapses in several locations. No casualties have been reported so far, and searches are ongoing. There is no negative news from the villages. Our on-site operations continue,” said the governor of Sindirgi.

"Do not enter damaged buildings"

AFAD issued a statement warning against entering structures damaged by the earthquake:

"Avoid staying near risky buildings. Maintain communication via SMS and internet messaging apps. Follow the alerts from official authorities."

Mayor of Sindirgi: 2–3 buildings collapsed

"The 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck our Aktaş neighborhood, near the surface. We have found collapses in two or three buildings. No casualties have been reported, but there is panic in the district. We are working on verifying the situation. Our operations continue," said the mayor.

"While speaking with you, the electricity has just been restored. The building to the left of the municipality has collapsed, but there are no casualties. So far, we have not received reports of injuries. Our teams are assessing the situation. There are no human casualties, but we continue with the evaluation. It appears that several buildings that had previously been marked for demolition have now actually collapsed," he added to the media.