Earthquake risk in Ankara: Experts warn
It has been stated that the fault line located in the Bağlıca region of Ankara is active and could produce an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.
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Hüseyin Alan, Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Geological Engineers, stated that the 3.2-magnitude earthquake that occurred in Ankara on August 11 was felt in areas such as Ümitköy, Çayyolu, and Bağlıca. Noting that the epicenter of the earthquake was west of the Gazi Military Officers' Club, Alan emphasized that this situation creates a new source of seismic activity for Ankara.
Following discussions with the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) and the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), Alan stated that the fault line in the Bağlıca region is active and approximately 25 kilometers long. Expressing that this fault line could produce earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher, Alan added that academics from Ankara University are also conducting studies on this subject.
RISK OF STRUCTURES IN ANKARA
Stating that Ankara needs to be re-evaluated in terms of earthquake risk, Alan expressed that the city's structures were not built according to the acceleration values that the existing fault line could generate, and that this situation poses a significant risk. Alan emphasized that Ankara's zoning plans and geotechnical surveys must be revised rapidly in cooperation with the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, AFAD, and MTA.
Alan noted that Ankara was built based on low acceleration values and that this could lead to devastating consequences in the event of a possible earthquake. Reminding that the capital city of Ankara is the outward-facing face of the Republic, Alan stated that every citizen should take responsibility in this matter.