Earthquake in Turkey: 237 aftershocks and first fatalities in Balikesir

Earthquake in Turkey: 237 aftershocks and first fatalities in Balikesir

On August 11, 2025, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake occurred in the western Turkish province of Balikesir, which had far-reaching consequences. The epicenter of the quake was in Sindirgi district, at a depth of about 11 kilometers. This strong quake was felt as far away as cities such as Istanbul and Izmir, more than 200 kilometers away, increasing concerns in the already earthquake-prone region. According to official information, an 81-year-old woman died while 29 other people were injured, 11 of whom remain hospitalized while 18 have been discharged. A total of 16 buildings in 68 districts were completely collapsed, including a three-story residential building in the center of Sindirgi, from which four of the six residents were rescued.

The recovery work has now been completed and authorities led by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya have determined that several containers have been set up as emergency shelters. At the same time, the owner and builder of the collapsing building were arrested on charges of negligent homicide. These incidents again raise questions about the safety of buildings in Turkey, which is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its geological features.

Aftershocks and safety protocols

The consequences of the mainshock are already noticeable: a total of 237 aftershocks have been recorded to date, with the strongest aftershock reaching a magnitude of 4.6. Authorities have advised residents to avoid damaged buildings and only enter buildings in emergencies. Turkey, which lies on the Anatolian Plate, has a long history of earthquakes, including the devastating events in 2023 that killed over 53,000 people in Turkey and thousands in Syria.

To address seismic safety challenges, the Turkish Earthquake Code (TEC) was introduced in 2018. This regulates the construction standards for earthquake-resistant buildings and specifies measures for structural integrity. The legal framework includes, among other things, articles that provide for geotechnical and site investigations in order to preventively reduce seismic risks. Although these regulations exist, compliance is often considered inadequate in practice.

Criticism of the current construction policy

Thousands of illegally constructed buildings have been legalized through construction amnesties in recent years, which has led to an increase in the danger situation. In Istanbul, more than a million buildings are not considered earthquake-proof. The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is therefore under massive pressure to rethink its construction practices and to monitor compliance with earthquake safety regulations more strictly. Experts emphasize the need for sustainable and earthquake-proof urban development in order to create better living conditions for the population in the future.

These latest developments underscore the urgency for a comprehensive reform of the Turkish construction sector, which should not only align with current seismic standards but also avoid historical mistakes in construction policy. Karanfiloglu Law Firm offers legal assistance to developers and owners to ensure compliance with earthquake safety regulations and overcome bureaucratic hurdles.