Prof. Dr. Sözbilir: 'Not the entire fault broke, only a part of it… We got off lightly!'

Expert assessments continue to arrive regarding the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that occurred off the coast of Silivri, Istanbul, and was felt in surrounding provinces. Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir, Director of the Earthquake Research and Application Center at Dokuz Eylül University (DEÜ) and a faculty member in the Department of Geological Engineering, announced that the earthquake occurred on the North Anatolian Fault.

The earthquake, recorded in the Sea of Marmara at 12:49, was felt across large parts of the Marmara Region, particularly in Istanbul. While aftershocks were recorded following the earthquake, Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir of DEÜ made significant statements.

Prof. Dr. Sözbilir stated that despite the magnitude of the earthquake, a more severe scenario was avoided, saying, “The earthquake occurred on the North Anatolian Fault. However, not the entire fault broke, only a section of it. This has prevented a major disaster for now.”

NO TSUNAMI EXPECTED

“Considering the intensity of the earthquake, we do not expect a tsunami effect,” said Sözbilir, adding the following regarding the aftershocks: 

“Aftershocks are expected, and are even a positive development. Such tremors help in the release of energy. I am speaking in light of initial information, but we will be able to analyze more clearly where and how much of the fault broke within a few hours.”

News Source: 12punto