On October 28, 2025, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of Turkey (AFAD) reported that a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck western Turkey on Monday, October 27.
According to information released by AFAD, the epicenter was located in Sindirgi town, Balikesir province. The earthquake occurred at 10:48 PM local time on Monday.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake as a 6.0 magnitude event, while the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported it as a 6.1 magnitude quake. The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles).
Reports from Türkiye Today stated that widespread tremors were felt in provinces like Istanbul and Izmir in western Turkey.
The continuous shaking from the earthquake triggered panic and concern among residents in the affected areas. People fled buildings to seek refuge in safe zones.
Turkish media reported that some structures in Sindirgi town were damaged, but there have been no reports of casualties so far. The town had previously experienced a 6.1 magnitude earthquake in August this year, which resulted in one death and several injuries.
The earthquake on Monday occurred close to densely populated cities like Istanbul, with a population exceeding 15 million, and Izmir, the country’s third-largest city. This immediately raised concerns about potential casualties and building damages.
Turkey is situated along major fault lines, making it prone to frequent seismic activity. The country has a history of devastating earthquakes. In 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey caused over 53,000 casualties, with hundreds of thousands of buildings destroyed or damaged in 11 provinces in the southern and southeastern regions. Additionally, around 6,000 people lost their lives in northern Syria due to the earthquake.