A 4.5-magnitude earthquake shook the northwestern Marmara province of Balikesir’s Sindirgi district on Sunday, with tremors felt across nearby provinces.
The earthquake struck at 11:58 a.m. local time (GMT+3) at a depth of 7.14 kilometers (4.14 miles), according to Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
The tremor, which impacted residents in Sindirgi and surrounding areas, follows a stronger 6.1 magnitude earthquake that hit the same region on Oct. 27, causing building collapses and widespread alarm.
Initial reports from AFAD indicate that there has been no significant damage or casualties from the quake, though the authority is continuing to monitor the situation closely.
Teams are conducting field inspections to assess any possible impacts from the tremor, including potential aftershocks.
While the tremor was less intense compared to previous jolts this week, it followed a 4.9 magnitude quake earlier in the week that was felt across the region, including in Istanbul and Izmir, maintaining heightened alarm throughout the area.
AFAD assured the public that no major disruptions have been reported and that ongoing efforts to inspect the region are in place. The authority also emphasized the importance of continued safety measures and preparation for any additional seismic activity.
Türkiye remains vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location along several major fault lines, including the North Anatolian Fault.
One of the most devastating earthquakes in recent years, the February 2023 tremors claimed at least 53,000 lives, caused the collapse of 6,624 buildings, and resulted in an economic cost of $148.8 billion, according to the official estimates.