An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck western Turkey on Sunday evening, causing more than ten buildings to collapse and killing one person.
The epicentre was in the province of Balikesir. According to eyewitnesses, mobile apps warned of the earthquake just seconds before the tremors began, which lasted about 20-30 seconds.
The underground tremors were felt not only in several provinces of Turkey, but also in Bulgaria, Greece and Cyprus.
The most damage was reported in the town of Sündry, located closest to the epicentre. At least 10 buildings collapsed there, and the total number of destroyed buildings in the province of Balikesir reached 16. The search and rescue operation has been completed.
Surveillance cameras captured the moment of the earthquake: one video shows a man in an office hiding under a desk, and a few seconds later a cabinet falls on top of him.
The authorities in Balikesir have confirmed the death of one person, an 81-year-old man. According to Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu, four other people were injured, but their lives are not in danger.
