FazTimes Media, Balıkesir, Turkey – A big earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale shook western Turkey on Sunday evening, making people distressed and causing shaking that was felt up to 200 kilometres away in Istanbul. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) checked the earthquake's strength and said it happened at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometres, which made its impact stronger.

Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said the earthquake hit at 7:53 PM local time, with the shaking centred in Balıkesir province. This area is close to Istanbul, the biggest city in Turkey. After the main quake, several smaller ones followed, with the biggest one measuring 4.6. Authorities advised individuals to avoid entering buildings that may sustain damage.

AFAD officials informed Anadolu Agency that they immediately dispatched teams to inspect the affected areas. Even though there are no official reports of many injuries or big building damage, local news says that one building in the town of Sındırgı collapsed. Rescue teams are ready in case there are more earthquakes.

A Nation on Alert

According to BBC News, Turkey ranks among the most earthquake-sensitive countries globally, situated on multiple active fault lines, including the infamous North Anatolian Fault. In recent decades, the area has experienced catastrophic quakes, such as the 1999 İzmit earthquake, which resulted in over 17,000 fatalities. This recent tremor, despite being less devastating, highlighted the country’s seismic fragility.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya communicated with the public through his official account on X (formerly Twitter), assuring citizens that AFAD teams have initiated swift inspections throughout Istanbul and surrounding provinces. “No significant damage or loss of life has been reported up to this point,” he stated, while also advising people to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols.

Why This Quake Was Felt Over Such a Wide Area

Experts assert that the earthquake's proximity to the Earth's surface caused it to resonate across a vast region. Dr Ayşe Korkmaz, a geophysicist at Istanbul Technical University, told Al Jazeera that when earthquakes happen near the surface, they release energy more strongly. “Even though the quake started in Balıkesir, the land in the Marmara region helps the shaking travel far,” she said.

Aftershocks and Safety Alerts

After the main quake, AFAD reported several smaller tremors. The agency issued a warning to individuals not to enter potentially damaged buildings until experts have inspected them. Emergency shelters were set up in different areas, and local authorities are checking buildings that could be unsafe.

Witness Accounts: Anxiety and Assurance

In the city centre of Balıkesir, people rushed into the streets, some still holding their evening meals or wrapped in blankets against the cool air. “We were watching TV when the whole building started shaking hard,” said Mehmet Kaya, a local shop owner. “It lasted about 15 seconds, but it felt much longer. Everyone was afraid that a more serious event might occur.

In Istanbul, where the shaking was less strong but still noticeable, people saw chandeliers swing and windows vibrate. “We've had earthquakes before, so we know to be careful,” said Fatma Erdem, a university student. “But it's still scary to realise how unpredictable they can be.”

Seismic Neighbours: Recent Earthquakes in Russia

A big earthquake in Turkey happened after a magnitude 6.0 quake near the Kuril Islands in Russia’s Far East, just a day before. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said this quake was 10 kilometres deep and is part of a rise in earthquakes in the Pacific "Ring of Fire".

A week earlier, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula caused tsunami warnings in some areas. The Kuril-Kamchatka Trench, where these earthquakes started, is a place where two tectonic plates meet – the Pacific Plate and the Okhotsk Sea Plate – and it often has big earthquakes.

Turkey's Readiness for Earthquakes

The government has worked harder to be ready for earthquakes since the deadly ones in southern Turkey and northern Syria in February 2023 that killed more than 50,000 people.

This includes:

The government has strengthened building regulations to ensure the safety of new homes during earthquakes.
People are being instructed on how to prepare emergency kits and what actions to take during Earth's seismic activity.
We are developing mechanisms to promptly alert individuals during an earthquake.

But a lot of people say that there are still thousands of old buildings that aren't safe. Urban planner Selim Karataş said, “We’ve made progress, but much of our housing still isn’t safe. Events like this remind us we need to act faster.”

Economic and Social Impact

Early reports show that there was not much damage to buildings, but even small earthquakes can affect local businesses. On Sunday night, many stores in Balıkesir’s busy areas closed early. A lot of people chose to sleep outside or in their cars because they felt safer that way.

Tourism experts worry that repeated news about earthquakes might make travellers, especially those coming from abroad, decide not to visit Istanbul, which is a major international city for tourists. However, experts say that sharing clear and timely information, like the updates from AFAD, helps people stay calm and confident.

Looking Ahead

Scientists say it’s impossible to predict earthquakes, but keeping an eye on the ground and being ready can help save lives and protect homes. Dr Korkmaz said, “Earthquakes are part of life in Turkey. We can’t stop them, but we can prepare. That preparation is what keeps people safe.”

Officials are still checking the situation in Balıkesir and nearby places. Currently, there are no tsunami warnings, and most people in Istanbul are continuing with their regular activities, although they are being more cautious than usual.

Safety Tips from AFAD

AFAD has given important advice for staying safe during an earthquake:

Drop down, cover your head and neck, and hold on to something.
Have an emergency kit with food, water, a torch, and first aid supplies.

A Community United

Despite the worries, many people in the area said they were thankful for how quickly their neighbours helped each other. Volunteers brought tea, blankets, and food to those who slept outside.

Last word:

This quake was less damaging than previous ones, but it reminds Turks to be ready, alert, and connected. The lesson is clear: people can be strong, but nature can't be controlled. Al Jazeera says that Turkey's history with earthquakes shows the world that even when the ground shakes, its people stay strong.

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