Turkey's Simav Region Experiences Multiple 5+ Magnitude Earthquakes Without Major Damage

A magnitude 5.3 to 5.4 earthquake struck near Simav in western Turkey's Kütahya province, shaking the region around midday Sunday and felt across several towns including Simav, Emet, Demirci, Gediz, Dursunbey, Tavşanlı, and even Istanbul approximately 100 kilometers away. The quake, occurring at a shallow depth of around 8 kilometers, caused noticeable shaking lasting up to 20 seconds in some areas but resulted in no major structural damage or casualties according to local authorities and emergency services. Residents reported minor incidents such as objects falling and broken windows, but no serious threats to buildings or people were confirmed. The earthquake was followed by a magnitude 4.0 aftershock, and people in Kutahya were seen gathering in open spaces as a precaution. This event comes shortly after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake in August in nearby Balikesir province, which caused one fatality and numerous injuries, highlighting the region's vulnerability due to Turkey's position on major fault lines. The country has a recent history of devastating earthquakes, including the deadly 7.8 magnitude quake in 2023 that caused tens of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction.