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A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck western Türkiye early Saturday morning, with its epicenter located in the Sindirgi district of Balikesir province, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
The quake occurred at 00:24 local time on January 24, 2026, at a depth of 11.04 kilometers. AFAD's official measurement recorded the earthquake at magnitude 5.1, slightly lower than preliminary readings from Kandilli Observatory.
The earthquake was felt across multiple provinces in western Türkiye, including Bursa, Izmir, Yalova, and Kutahya. The tremors reached residents across the region despite the epicenter's location in the relatively rural Sindirgi district.
Balıkesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu reported no immediate damage or casualties in a statement posted on social media platform X. "A 5.1 magnitude earthquake has occurred in our Sindirgi district. As of now, there is no negative situation. Field surveys are continuing by AFAD and our relevant institutions," Ustaoglu said, adding his well wishes to affected citizens.
Turkish Grand National Assembly Speaker Numan Kurtulmus issued a message of support following the earthquake. "I convey my best wishes to all our citizens affected by the earthquake centered in Balıkesir Sindirgi and felt in surrounding provinces," Kurtulmus said, adding prayers for protection from disasters.
Emergency response teams from AFAD and other agencies continue to conduct field surveys throughout the affected area to assess any potential damage.
Balikesir province sits in a geologically active region of western Türkiye, where multiple fault lines intersect. The area experiences regular seismic activity due to its position along the North Anatolian Fault system and other tectonic structures in the Aegean region.
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