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Experts weigh in after earthquake in Denizli! Could a larger earthquake occur in the region?

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake that occurred in the Buldan district of Denizli this morning caused brief panic in the area. Geoscientists have pointed out that the fault line where the tremor occurred has the potential to produce larger earthquakes.

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The 5.1-magnitude earthquake, which occurred at 09:21 in Yenicekent, a neighborhood in Denizli's Buldan district, took place at a depth of approximately 7.5 kilometers. While the tremor was felt in surrounding provinces and districts, it caused brief panic in the region.

Following the earthquake, which unsettled citizens, all eyes turned to experts.

Geoscientist Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan stated that the epicenter of the earthquake is very close to the intersection of major fault systems.

In a statement on his social media account, Ercan said the following:

"A small-scale earthquake of magnitude M5.1 occurred today at 09:21 in Yenicekent, Buldan, Denizli, at a focal depth of 7.5 km.  This earthquake, located within the Denizli Pamukkale Basin, is very close to the intersection of the Gediz main fault and the Büyükmenderes faults. This intersection is always prone to producing earthquakes around magnitude M7. An earthquake of magnitude M5.1 is not destructive in the region, except for masonry village houses and barns. It cannot be said whether a larger earthquake will follow this. The geothermal areas in the region are being heated by the presence of these earthquakes."


Emphasizing that it is impossible to predict at this stage whether a larger earthquake will occur, Ercan stated that the most effective precaution against earthquake risk is construction that is durable and suitable for solid ground.

"THE REGION IS ACTIVE"

Geoscientist Prof. Dr. Naci Görür also stated in his assessment on his social media account that the earthquake occurred on the Pamukkale Fault Zone.

In his post, Görür noted that the region is located in an area with active fault lines and said the following:

"Earthquakes of magnitude 4 and 5 are occurring around the graben system in the vicinity of Denizli. The region is active and is undergoing North-South tension. The reason is the westward escape of the Anatolian Plate. Get well soon."