Warning on 'earthquake risk' from AKOM Scientific Committee: The risk has not disappeared

The IBB AKOM Scientific Committee has warned that the earthquake risk in the Marmara region has not disappeared and that aftershocks will continue for some time.

Following the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred off the coast of Silivri, Istanbul, and the subsequent tremors, the Scientific Committee of the Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), has issued important information and warnings.

Pointing out that the earthquake risk still persists, the Scientific Committee requested that citizens pay attention to warnings issued by official institutions.

"THE EARTHQUAKE AND ITS AFTERSHOCKS HAVE NOT ELIMINATED THE EARTHQUAKE RISK"

The statement from the Scientific Committee is as follows:

"As the scientific committee, we gathered here immediately after the earthquake, but naturally, only a portion of us could arrive within this timeframe. We have conducted a preliminary assessment. Later, we will share with the public the statements made after more detailed evaluations with a much broader participation of our Scientific Committee. However, there are some warnings and requests that we consider important at this stage. Therefore, as the Scientific Committee, we would like to share the brief assessment we made today with you and the people of Istanbul.

1- At this stage, it is extremely important to take into account only the warnings coming from the authorities without panicking. Speculative assessments irresponsibly spread on social media should not be given credence.

2- The 6.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred and its aftershocks have not eliminated the earthquake risk in Istanbul and the Marmara Region. It is useful to know that aftershocks will continue for a while.

3- It is important not to enter buildings damaged in the earthquake and to inform the authorities.

4- We underline that it is extremely important for central and local forces to work in coordination in the studies carried out regarding the earthquake as the Scientific Committee. Similarly, we believe it is important to take the contributions of relevant universities, non-governmental organizations, and professional chambers.

5-) We emphasize that it is important for the authorities and authorized institutions to inform the public at regular intervals to minimize the anxieties created by the earthquake."