Earthquake swarm in the Aegean Sea: Is the risk of a tsunami imminent for Turkey? Experts warned that city!
The earthquake swarm in the Aegean Sea continues to cause concern. Following the tremors in the region, experts have issued important warnings. While it is stated that the activity around Santorini, where over 500 earthquakes have been recorded, is ongoing, it has been expressed that if the Amorgos fault is triggered, there could be a risk of an earthquake greater than magnitude 7 and a subsequent tsunami.
12punto
The more than 500 earthquakes that have occurred in the Aegean Sea in recent days have turned the attention of scientists to the region. Experts emphasize that these tremors are volcanic in origin and warn that the activity could continue for a long time.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamdi Alkan, a faculty member at the Department of Geophysical Engineering at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, stated, "The earthquakes that have occurred so far have reached a magnitude of 5.1 and the activity is continuing. We can clearly say that these earthquakes are related to volcanism."
GREAT DANGER: AMORGOS FAULT AND TSUNAMI RISK
According to experts, the earthquakes that have occurred could trigger the Amorgos fault line and lead to a serious disaster. The northward movement of the African plate is causing energy accumulation on the Amorgos fault, one of the five main seismic zones in the region.
Reminding that an earthquake greater than magnitude 7 occurred in the region in the 1950s, Alkan stated that an earthquake of a similar magnitude could cause a major tsunami in İzmir and its surroundings.
"If a major earthquake occurs, destruction in coastal areas could be inevitable. It is of vital importance that our state and relevant institutions take preventive measures."
IS THERE A TSUNAMI RISK FOR TURKEY?
Scientists state that the danger of a tsunami is not unique to oceans and that the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are also open to this risk. Coastal cities such as İzmir, Muğla, and Çanakkale, in particular, could face the impact of large waves.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alkan warned authorities by saying, "A tsunami occurred after the earthquake in İzmir in 2020. It is possible for a similar scenario to occur on a larger scale."
CRITICAL WARNING FROM EXPERTS: PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN
Emphasizing that Turkey's coastal regions must be prepared for a tsunami and a major earthquake, experts state that the risks should not be ignored. Alkan called on authorities, saying, "If preventive measures are not taken, the potential loss of life and property could be very high."