A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir at 19:53 last night, following two earlier tremors above magnitude 3, causing widespread panic and significant damage. According to initial reports, 16 buildings collapsed in the disaster. In one of the collapsed buildings housing six residents, four people were rescued, while one person tragically lost their life. The victim was later identified as Nihat Önbaş, the uncle of actress Eylül Tumbar.
Public Anger Over Lack of Preparedness
In the wake of the quake, criticism over disaster preparedness quickly spread across social media, with many users voicing frustration at what they see as ongoing negligence in earthquake safety measures.
Among those who reacted was well-known Turkish rapper Norm Ender, who used his X (formerly Twitter) account to share a pointed message drawing from the story of Noah. He wrote:
“Allah told Noah that the flood was coming — He did not say ‘pray,’ He said ‘build a strong ship.’ Believers may call it a verse, non-believers may call it a tale, but our reality is science. It is Allah’s command. The Japanese apply it as the truth of nature, yet despite it being Allah’s command, in the year 2025 you still pray for the earth to stay calm. Well then.”
Earthquake Risk and Lessons Unlearned
Türkiye sits on some of the world’s most active fault lines, and experts have repeatedly warned that strict building codes, regular inspections, and robust urban planning are the most effective defenses against earthquake devastation.
Despite decades of warnings and previous disasters, urban planners and geologists note that unreinforced or poorly constructed buildings remain a major problem, particularly in rural districts and older urban neighborhoods. The collapse of multiple buildings in Sındırgı has reignited debates about construction standards, contractor accountability, and the enforcement of safety regulations.
Japan as a Model for Preparedness
Norm Ender’s reference to Japan underscores a widely recognized example of how rigorous planning can save lives. In Japan, earthquake-resistant construction techniques, mandatory safety drills, and public awareness campaigns are an integral part of daily life. While Türkiye has adopted some measures modeled on international best practices, experts say that inconsistent enforcement and insufficient retrofitting of older structures leave many communities vulnerable.
The Emotional Toll
Rescue efforts continued into the night, with emergency teams racing against time to search the rubble. For the families of those trapped, the hours were filled with uncertainty and grief. The death of Nihat Önbaş added a deeply personal dimension to the tragedy for actress Eylül Tumbar, who has received an outpouring of condolences from the public and her peers in the entertainment industry.
Calls for Change
As Balıkesir begins to assess the full extent of the damage, both citizens and public figures are calling for a shift from reactive to proactive disaster management. The recurring pattern of post-disaster mourning followed by fading public attention has left many demanding systemic reforms that would prioritize safety over short-term cost savings.
This article was edited by Mehmet Horuz
