Turkey earthquake: 6.1 magnitude quake hits Sindirgi, two people missing
Source: in-cyprus.com
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake in Turkey’s Sindirgi district of Balikesir province has triggered 237 aftershocks and caused at least 10 buildings to collapse, trapping several residents and disrupting communications in some areas.
Several aftershocks have exceeded 3-4 on the Richter scale. Rescue operations for those trapped under rubble are ongoing, whilst two people remain missing from a three-storey building that collapsed during Sunday’s earthquake.
Sindirgi Mayor Serkan Sak told television station HaberTürk that two of six people in the collapsed three-storey building have not been located, whilst four have already been rescued.
Search operations continue
Search and rescue operations for trapped individuals continue in both Sindirgi city and surrounding villages. On Sunday, an 81-year-old man was pulled from rubble but died shortly after being freed in Sindirgi. Social media videos show the extent of destruction caused by the powerful earthquake.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on social media that search and rescue operations for two people trapped in building debris are ongoing. He clarified that “none of the 29 injured are in serious condition”.
Earthquake details and impact
According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 11 kilometres and was felt in surrounding provinces. Following the 6.1 magnitude tremor, buildings collapsed at multiple locations.
Dozens of homes have been damaged, whilst residents spent the night in cars and squares. The earthquake was felt in Greece, particularly in northeastern Aegean islands and Alexandroupoli.
However, Greek seismologist Efthimios Lekkas of the Organisation for Antiseismic Planning and Protection appeared reassuring when speaking about potential impact on Greek fault lines.
“It does not originate from the Anatolian fault and does not affect Greek fault lines in any way. Given that there are cities close to the earthquake’s epicentre, we expect to see what damage it will have caused,” he added.
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