An earthquake measuring 6.1 struck Turkey’s northwestern Balikesir province on Sunday evening, killing one person and injuring 29 others, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed.
The tremor, recorded by Turkey’s AFAD disaster management authority at 7:53 p.m. local time, was felt across multiple provinces, including Istanbul, the country’s largest city. AFAD said the quake occurred at a depth of 11 kilometres (6.8 miles), while the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) measured it at 6.19 magnitude and a depth of 10 kilometres.
Among the casualties was an 81-year-old who died after being rescued from rubble by emergency teams. Sixteen buildings collapsed during the quake, and several others sustained damage. Images from Sindirgi, a district in Balikesir, showed crushed vehicles beneath piles of debris.
Yerlikaya confirmed that search and rescue operations have now concluded, with no further signs of serious damage or missing persons.
Turkey, which lies on several active fault lines, is prone to earthquakes, with its northwestern region particularly vulnerable to seismic activity.
A version of this story originally appeared in the Good News newsletter. Sign up here! Any time I try to convince skeptical people that the world isn’t as bad as they think it is — which I do quite a lot, given that I write a newsletter called Good News — they usually come back with […]
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/cherry-blossoms-bloom-at-montreal-s-botanical-garden.jpg?id=58372870&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=45%2C0%2C45%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you're planning your next spring getaway, you don't have to travel all the way to Japan to experience breathtaking cherry blossoms. As per Skyscanner's latest <a href="https://www.skyscanner.ca/travel-trends/botanical" target="_blank">travel trends report</a>, Canada has its own stunning cherry blossom hotspots, with Montreal earning a spot among the top destinations for fans of the flower in 2025.</p><p>The report, shared in an email with MTL Blog, highlights that 71% of Canadians enjoy visiting gardens on vacation, while over half (55%) are eager to see cherry blossoms this year. This aligns with Skyscanner's 2025 "horti-culture" travel trend, as travellers increasingly seek out picturesque natural escapes.</p><p>Typically, cherry blossoms in Montreal bloom between April and May, but warmer temperatures could lead to an earlier showing.</p><p>With that in mind, here are a handful of the best places to experience cherry blossoms in Montreal this year, according to Skyscanner.</p><h3>Parc Jean-Drapeau</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFMyyWKlAdr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3db41d3-b11c-4cc7-be22-40f0f296c92f" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFMyyWKlAdr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3db41d3-b11c-4cc7-be22-40f0f296c92f" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Located on île Sainte-Hélène and Notre Dame Island, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/parc-jean-drapeau" target="_blank">Parc Jean-Drapeau</a> offers a breathtaking springtime display of cherry blossoms that line its scenic paths and waterfront views. Whether you're jogging, biking, or just strolling along, you'll find yourself surrounded by delicate pink blooms creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.</p><h3>Montreal Botanical Garden</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCWsYrLtUS/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCWsYrLtUS/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>One of Montreal's most beloved spots, the Montreal Botanical Garden boasts a dedicated Japanese Garden where cherry blossoms bloom beautifully each spring. Visitors can take a peaceful walk through the immaculately designed garden, soaking in the tranquillity and beauty of nature's seasonal show.</p><h3>Westmount Park</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlrr86DKG1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2b2123c2-87f4-4ce5-9948-704387dabe63" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlrr86DKG1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2b2123c2-87f4-4ce5-9948-704387dabe63" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Nestled in one of Montreal's most picturesque neighbourhoods, Westmount Park offers a lush urban oasis with cherry blossom trees that enhance the park's elegance. The quiet, relaxing vibe makes it a popular spot for locals looking to enjoy a picnic under the blossoms or capture the perfect Instagram shot.</p><p>Other popular cherry blossom hotspots in Canada included:</p><ul><li>Toronto, ON: High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, University of Toronto St. George Campus (April–May)</li><li>Ottawa, ON: Commissioner’s Park, Major’s Hill Park, Dominion Arboretum (April–May)</li><li>Victoria, BC: Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, Government House Gardens (March–April)</li><li>Halifax, NS: Halifax Public Gardens, Point Pleasant Park, Dalhousie University (April–May)</li></ul><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
<p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p><p><br/></p>
fizkes/Shutterstock Keir Starmer’s government is expected to announce a host of cuts to sickness and disability support in the coming days. The UK’s ageing and…