Fault lines in İzmir: A potential earthquake could reach a magnitude of 7.2!

On October 30, 2020, 117 people lost their lives and many buildings were destroyed or damaged in a 6.6 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Seferihisar. As the 4th anniversary of the earthquake approaches, Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir announced that aftershocks in İzmir are continuing and their number has exceeded 30,000. Stating that there are dozens of faults passing through land and sea in İzmir, Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir said the following:

"There are 17 active faults with potential on land in İzmir. Additionally, there are 4 faults that could have the potential to produce earthquakes in the future. There are just as many faults in the sea. In other words, around 40 faults pose a danger.

"THE CONSEQUENCES OF A POTENTIAL EARTHQUAKE WOULD BE VERY SEVERE"

In our studies, there are faults among these that could produce earthquakes up to 7.2 in magnitude. Among these, the Tuzla fault stands out in particular. It is followed by the Gülbahçe, Seferihisar, and İzmir faults. These 4 faults actually pose the greatest earthquake danger for İzmir. This is because these faults are very close to the city center. Some, like the İzmir fault, pass entirely through the city center. I believe that under current conditions, a potential earthquake could lead to serious loss of life and property," he said.

Sözbilir stated, "We are trenching and examining these faults. We have results that we have been observing for 3-4 years. One of these is the Tuzla fault. It produces an earthquake approximately every 2,000 years. In our examination, we found that this interval has been filled. It had its last earthquake 2,000 years ago. Therefore, it has completed its earthquake recurrence interval. As İzmir, we are not prepared for natural disasters or earthquakes. We have specifically conducted studies on the faults. We are trying to document how each type of soil will behave during an earthquake before it happens. The work is ongoing. There are studies being conducted by the Metropolitan Municipality regarding the building stock, especially in the Bornova and Konak areas. But we have 30 districts. It needs to be done in all of the districts. Besides this, as DEÜ, we are working on earthquake master plans. We have established İzmir's earthquake information system. In other words, information regarding İzmir's faults and soil has been brought to light," he expressed.

Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir concluded his words as follows:

"When we combine these with information regarding the building stock, within the scope of an earthquake scenario, we will have foreseen what will happen when which fault in İzmir is triggered. Accordingly, a roadmap for urban transformation will emerge. When we look at it on a national scale in Turkey, the earthquake is progressing faster than we are. While we are studying the fault, the fault is producing earthquakes. This shows that we are lagging behind a bit. That is why we must be very urgent. We must be 10 times faster so that we can catch the earthquake in advance and take precautions."

News Source: 12punto