Frightening Istanbul earthquake warning from Naci Görür to the New York Times: Chaos will ensue

Geologist Professor Naci Görür gave an interview to the world-renowned New York Times newspaper.

In the report by Ben Hubbard and Şafak Timur, it was stated, “Earthquake warnings brought him fame. He wants more people to listen to him. Naci Görür has become a household name in Turkey with his calls for earthquake preparedness. However, he is disappointed by the response and is very worried about Istanbul.”

"WE ARE TIRED OF SAYING AND WRITING IT, NO ONE DID ANYTHING"

Stating that a woman and her daughter who were trapped under the rubble on the night of February 6 called him and said, “Save us,” but that he never learned what happened to them later, Görür said, “I cried for two hours. As geologists, we are tired of saying and writing that the earthquake is coming. No one did anything.”

"MOST PEOPLE DO NOT TRUST THE GOVERNMENT"

The New York Times wrote that Görür, who emphasizes that measures for disaster preparedness remain insufficient, has become one of the most famous names in Turkey due to his warnings, and that the 76-year-old scientist constantly attends meetings instead of having a quiet retirement.

The US newspaper pointed out that Görür, who frequently appears on television, also constantly shares warnings about earthquakes on his social media account, which is followed by over 2 million people.

Speaking to the newspaper, Görür stated that he has difficulty answering all the questions he receives but understands people's fear. Noting that many people in Turkey do not trust the government, universities, or aid organizations and are looking for reliable information, Naci Görür said, “I am trying to guide people on how to survive.”

"ISTANBUL IS NOT READY AT ALL, CHAOS WILL ENSUE"

Noting that despite all efforts, earthquake preparations in Turkey remain very inadequate, Görür said he is particularly worried about Istanbul, stating, “Istanbul is not ready at all. Collapsing buildings will leave tens of thousands of people under the rubble. It will lead to the blockage of narrow streets and hinder aid efforts. There will be great chaos in Istanbul.”

The professor, who said he also warned about the fault line for his hometown of Elazığ 20 years ago, stated, “They applauded me but never took me seriously. They started to believe me after the 6.7 magnitude earthquake in 2020.”

“People know nothing about earthquakes. Most believe it comes from God and that fate cannot be escaped. However, while science cannot predict the exact time, it knows where the threat is,” said Görür, adding that he calls on the public to have their homes checked and to put pressure on the government.

Noting that his family and doctor want him to exert himself less, Görür said that despite this, he will continue to work to create more earthquake awareness.

News Source: 12punto