Turkey’s Sindirgi district in Balikesir province
experienced its third earthquake within three months on November 3, 2025, with
a magnitude of 4.9. The tremor caused panic and minor damages following earlier
quakes in August and October, highlighting the region’s seismic vulnerability.
Third Earthquake Hits Sindirgi
On Monday, November 3, 2025, a magnitude 4.9 earthquake
shook the Sindirgi district in western Turkey’s Balikesir province, marking the
third significant tremor to hit the area in less than three months. The
Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) of Turkey confirmed the
figure and the location of the quake, as reported by multiple news agencies
including Barron's journalist coverage and Bianet’s report by Deniz Güven. The
recent earthquake caused alarm among residents still recovering psychologically
and materially from previous jolts.
History of Previous Major Quakes
The May 2025 period saw a series of intense seismic events
in Sindirgi, triggering concerns over structural safety and emergency
preparedness. The first major quake occurred on August 10, 2025, when a 6.1
magnitude earthquake struck the town, resulting in the death of an 82-year-old
man rescued from rubble and injuring more than fifty others according to
Anadolu Agency and Al Jazeera's detailed reporting by Mahir Esen. Over 700
buildings suffered severe damage, with mosques, houses, and apartment blocks
either collapsed or rendered unsafe. The owner and contractor of one
fatality-related building faced legal custody on negligence charges.
Following this, on October 27, 2025, another 6.1 magnitude
quake affected the district, leading to the collapse of abandoned buildings and
damage to several other structures. Al Jazeera's correspondent added that 26
people were injured during this event, which also impacted the neighbouring
province of Manisa, where 42 people sustained injuries and 83 buildings were
damaged. Temporary school closures and the opening of public shelters marked
the immediate response.
Current Quake Details and Immediate Effects
The recent 4.9 magnitude quake occurred late on Monday,
contributing to ongoing anxiety in the region. According to Sindirgi district
administrator Doğukan Koyuncu, quoted by Anadolu Agency and reported by Al
Arabiya English's journalist Khaled Al-Masri, no casualties have been reported
so far, but assessments are ongoing. The quake was accompanied by smaller
aftershocks that prolonged the discomfort among residents.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya was cited by the Associated
Press stating that no buildings collapsed during this latest tremor, yet at
least three previously damaged buildings were structurally compromised or
partially collapsed back in the October quake, reinforcing fears of
vulnerability.
Municipal efforts included opening mosques, schools, and
sports halls as emergency shelters for residents afraid to return to
potentially unstable homes, particularly as rain began falling that night.
Panic-related injuries remain a concern across Sindirgi and nearby areas such
as Istanbul, Bursa, Manisa, and Izmir, which felt the tremor mildly but
noticeably.
Seismic Activity and Regional Context
Turkey lies on multiple active fault lines, making it a
hotspot for frequent and often destructive earthquakes. The Balikesir region,
including Sindirgi, is particularly sensitive due to historical seismic
activity and the recent pattern of strong events.
The 2023 devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in southern
Turkey and northern Syria, which killed over 59,000 people and destroyed
extensive infrastructure, underscores the country’s ongoing vulnerability, as
documented by various agencies including Al Jazeera and the United Nations news
sources.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Measures
Local authorities in Sindirgi continue to monitor the situation closely. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority has deployed teams for structural damage assessments and search and rescue preparedness, while medical facilities stand ready for potential injuries during aftershocks. Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu confirmed the deployment of emergency services and the provision of shelters. The authorities also advise residents against entering severely damaged buildings, following warnings similar to those issued after the August and October earthquakes.
The third quake in three months intensifies focus on rebuilding efforts and the implementation of stricter building codes to withstand future seismic events in Sindirgi and surrounding areas. Officials encourage public vigilance and ongoing cooperation with emergency protocols.
This continuous seismic activity in Sindirgi remains a key concern for disaster agencies, local governance, and the Turkish population living in the western provinces. Monitoring and preparedness measures will be critical as aftershocks and new events cannot be ruled out in the immediate future.