Critical warning for 2 provinces from seismologist Ahmet Ercan: 'Whatever happened in Hatay...'
Drawing attention to the construction in Mersin and Adana, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Ercan issued important warnings for the two cities, stating, "Whatever happened in Hatay could happen in Mersin and Adana as well."
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Seismologist Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan conducted inspections in Mersin.
Ercan, who carries out studies in high-risk regions, made striking statements regarding Mersin and Adana.
'WHATEVER HAPPENED IN HATAY...'
Speaking to Mersin Objektif, Ercan stated, "Mersin and Adana share a common fate," and added:
"High-rise skyscrapers are rising in both. These structures are generally built in a heavy and unsafe manner. Both provinces face issues with liquefaction and excessive shaking. There is a problem where seismic waves amplify and reflect onto the superstructure by 2 to 4 times. For this reason, the earthquake sensitivity of Mersin and Adana is quite high. Especially in the Mezitli-Tece region of Mersin, many buildings have sustained damage, with cracks and wear present. The settlements in Mersin and Çukurova are very similar to those in Hatay. Therefore, whatever happened in Hatay could happen in Mersin and Adana as well."
'URGENT DETAILED INSPECTION REQUIRED'
Pointing out that Mersin has developed in an unplanned manner, Ercan said, "Almost every contractor can build whatever structure they want. One of the reasons for this haphazard urbanization is the neglect of earthquake regulations and the failure to make sufficient use of geophysical science. The Municipal Council decides on the number of floors, but this council is not composed of experts. However, such decisions should be made by a geophysical engineer. A detailed inspection needs to be carried out urgently in Mersin and Adana."
SHOULD A MINISTRY OF EARTHQUAKES BE ESTABLISHED?
On the other hand, stating that he is 'strongly against a Ministry of Earthquakes,' Ercan said that an 'earthquake industry' should be established. Ercan stated, "Turkey needs to establish its earthquake industry without further delay. There cannot be such an absurd thing as a Ministry of Earthquakes; I am strongly against it. It is frequently brought up, but a ministry cannot be established for every event. Therefore, AFAD and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change are sufficient for this. Moreover, our laws and regulations are close to perfect; what matters is their implementation."