ISTANBUL — A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck western Türkiye’s Balikesir province on Sunday evening, shaking the Sindirgi district and surrounding areas, according to the country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD).

The quake, recorded at a depth of 11 kilometers (6.8 miles), caused several buildings to collapse in Balikesir, though no casualties were immediately reported, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences to those affected and pledged to closely monitor recovery efforts.

Authorities and emergency crews have been dispatched to assess damage and provide assistance.

Türkiye lies in a seismically active zone and has experienced devastating earthquakes in recent years, prompting heightened preparedness and safety measures. — Agencies