ISTANBUL - One person was killed, and 29 others were injured during a 6.1-magnitude earthquake on Sunday in Turkiye's northwestern Balikesir province, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced.

Speaking at a press conference in Balikesir, Yerlikaya confirmed that an "81-year-old elder has passed away."

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He added that none of the injured are in life-threatening conditions, noting that search and rescue operations have now concluded.

Yerlikaya also reported that a total of 16 buildings collapsed in the rural areas of the province, 12 of which were abandoned structures.

The earthquake, occurring at 7:53 pm local time (1653 GMT), triggered widespread panic throughout the region. Residents were seen gathering in open areas as authorities urged the public to stay away from damaged structures.