6.1-magnitude earthquake jolts Türkiye's western Balikesir province

Alsharq Tribune-AFP 

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye's western province of Balikesir late Monday, triggering widespread panic, authorities said.

Türkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), the national agency responsible for disaster and emergency management, said on X that the quake hit the Sindirgi district at 10:48 p.m. local time (1948 GMT).

Footage aired by NTV showed residents rushing into the streets as the tremor shook the area. Videos posted online appeared to show several buildings collapsing.

The quake was also felt in nearby provinces, including Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir.

Emergency teams have been dispatched to assess casualties and damage, NTV reported.

In August, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the same district, killing one person and injuring 29 others.