Naci Görür lists risky areas for a potential Istanbul earthquake: 'It would be doomsday if it hits 7 or higher'

Prof. Dr. Naci Görür has made significant statements regarding a potential major Istanbul earthquake.

Speaking to Hürriyet, Görür criticized local governments regarding the measures that need to be taken concerning earthquakes.

REACTION TO MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS: ALL THESE POLITICIANS ARE THE SAME

Addressing municipal officials he met with frequently before the elections, Görür stated, "Most of them say the same thing: 'I would do it, but there is no money!' Well, let there be. Even if we don't have the money, this should be our concern. If it becomes our concern, the state will also pursue this matter. In recent days, both the government and the opposition have been using the same word to address the economic difficulties we are in: 'Austerity.' A decree was issued in this context. However, unfortunately, many tasks that need to be done regarding earthquakes are being caught up in austerity measures. Can such a thing be? You can be frugal in all other matters, but there is no austerity when it comes to earthquakes! You cannot put hundreds of thousands of people in the line of fire. Otherwise, I apologize, but it's just playing to the gallery... Whether it's the mayor of this party or that party... It makes no difference! It means all these politicians are the same..."

"IT WOULD BE DOOMSDAY IF ISTANBUL IS HIT BY AN EARTHQUAKE OF 7 OR HIGHER"

Pointing out that Turkey is a country covered with active faults, Görür said, "There is also an active fault under the Sea of Marmara, and it will inevitably move. The issue here is, what will be the magnitude of the earthquake? If it is 7 or below, there will be relatively less damage. However, if Istanbul—with its population approaching 20 million and built with a shantytown mentality—is hit by an earthquake of 7 or higher, it would be doomsday... Our suffering would be great," he said.

"THE GROUND ON THE EUROPEAN SIDE IS GENERALLY POOR"

Görür continued his words as follows:

"Where will it happen? If the fault south of the Princes' Islands breaks, then the Anatolian side will be primarily affected; if the Kumburgaz fault breaks, the European side will be primarily affected. How is the ground? One important point we look at when making calculations is the ground. The ground on the European side is generally poor, while it is relatively better on the Anatolian side. Where is the epicenter of the earthquake? If you are on the Marmara coast, at a distance of 10-15 km from the sea, you are in the middle of doomsday. And the most important point is, what is the condition of the structure? Even if you live in the worst spot, if you live in a building that complies with regulations, has no illegal additions, and was built by receiving good engineering services—meaning without compromising on quality in terms of iron and concrete—your probability of surviving that house is very high. There is nothing to not understand about this, right? I don't think so, but there are many who don't want to understand! Surviving an earthquake that can happen anywhere at any time with little or no damage is only possible by establishing resilient settlements. You might say, 'But the neighbors don't want to...' Then you will raise your voice, you will go to court, you will hold the state, the municipalities, and the authorities accountable. Are they not doing it? You will not vote for them... If you don't want to die, that's the situation!"

News Source: 12punto