Critical warning from expert: 'Be prepared for a 6.6 magnitude earthquake'

It was reported that a 3.7 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Trabzon last night at 23:15. It was stated that the tremor, which occurred at a depth of approximately 28 kilometers, caused short-term anxiety. In a statement made by the Trabzon Governor's Office following the earthquake, it was announced that no negative situation had been detected.

CRITICAL ASSESSMENTS SHARED FOR THE BLACK SEA FAULT

In statements made by Prof. Dr. Osman Bektaş on social media following the earthquake, it was expressed that the Black Sea is a source of earthquakes. It was stated that the earthquake in question developed on an east-west trending segment on the Black Sea Fault System, which runs parallel to the Black Sea coast.

While it was noted that the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 9.6 kilometers and was of a shallow nature, it was reported that for this reason, the tremor and the noise associated with the physical rupture were felt effectively. The assessment included the statement, "Conclusion: The Black Sea is an earthquake source."

6.6 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE RISK ACCORDING TO AFAD DATA

Citing AFAD data, it was emphasized that the Black Sea coastal strip should be prepared for a 6.6 magnitude earthquake. While it was stated that this value could increase even further in sandy areas along the coastline, it was expressed that coastal landslide areas, reclaimed land, and residential areas in these regions are among the areas of concern.

It was stated that the earthquake that occurred off the coast of Trabzon shows that the Black Sea Fault is alive and active. In the statements made, it was noted that the perception of a "safe city" has ended and that although the tremor was small, the message it gave is of vital importance.

In this context, attention was drawn to the following points:

That the Black Sea Fault is active,

That the perception of a safe city has lost its validity,

That reclaimed land, building stock, and landslide-prone residential areas are among the biggest risk factors.

It was reported that a map showing the locations and magnitudes of earthquakes recorded in the instrumental period was also shared. In this data, while it was stated that the earthquakes that occurred in the region were small and medium-sized, it was expressed that there is insufficient information regarding historical earthquake magnitudes and recurrence intervals. It was noted that the fault slip rate is at the level of a few millimeters/year.

FAREWELL TO THE EXPRESSION "THERE WILL BE NO EARTHQUAKE IN TRABZON"

In the statements made, it was emphasized that the understanding that "there will be no earthquake in Trabzon" has ended. In this context, a call was made to Trabzon Mayor Ahmet Metin Genç, stating that earthquake micro-zoning studies should be accelerated and that urban transformation processes should not remain on paper. It was noted that urgent steps must be taken for the goal of an "Earthquake Resilient Trabzon" within the framework of the earthquake regulations.

ATTENTION DRAWN TO COASTAL AND RECLAIMED AREAS

Special warnings were issued for the Yomra-Kaşüstü, Beşirli, Akyazı, and Söğütlü regions. It was stated that these regions are among the prestigious areas of Trabzon but are the most volatile regions in terms of soil. It was expressed that if a tremor that could occur on the Black Sea Fault combines with the weak soil characteristics in these regions, the tremor on land could be amplified.

News Source: 12punto