Panic gripped the western part of Turkey tonight as a powerful earthquake sent residents running from their residences into the streets.
The quake reportedly struck the Balikesir region at 10:48 pm local time, shaking buildings across a wide area, including Istanbul and Izmir, two of the country’s biggest cities.
As per Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, the tremor hit the Sindirgi district of Balikesir province at a shallow depth of 3.72 miles.
The Kandilli Observatory recorded it slightly lower, at a magnitude of 6.0 and 7 miles deep. Witnesses shared how the prolonged shaking sent terrified residents fleeing into the night. Images circulated on social media appeared to show the buildings turning into rubble and people gathering in the streets, staring in horror at the destruction.
Emergency services said the region had been hit by a strong earthquake with reports of damage to some buildings, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a statement late on Sunday, adding, ‘I extend my condolences to the citizens affected by this earthquake that arose in the district and was also felt by neighboring provinces. ‘We are closely monitoring the process and working around the clock to assist all those impacted,’ he added.