Worrying warning from Okan Tüysüz regarding a possible Istanbul earthquake! He even announced the magnitude...
Science Academy member Prof. Dr. Okan Tüysüz stated that an earthquake of 7.0 or greater in the Marmara region is inevitable, noting that unbroken fault lines could produce an earthquake of 7.2 magnitude. He emphasized that the dense population and unplanned urbanization in Istanbul increase the risk.
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Science Academy member Prof. Dr. Okan Tüysüz stated that a major earthquake in the Marmara region is inevitable. Noting that this risk is also clearly emphasized in international scientific publications, Tüysüz said that it is scientifically normal to see tremors of similar magnitude again in regions that have experienced destructive earthquakes in the past.
“WHEN THIS SECTION BREAKS, IT WILL PRODUCE A 7.2”
Pointing out that there are still unbroken fault segments in the Sea of Marmara, Tüysüz emphasized that the line extending from the exit of the Gulf of İzmit to the open waters off the Princes' Islands and in front of Büyükçekmece is critical.
Stating that they expect a serious tremor if this section breaks, Tüysüz said, "When this breaks, it will likely produce a 7.2 magnitude earthquake." Noting that the impact of the earthquake is not limited to magnitude alone, Tüysüz stated that the building and population density in Istanbul multiplies the risk.
“ONCE A BUILDING COLLAPSES, THAT STREET BECOMES INACCESSIBLE”
As reported by Nefes, Prof. Dr. Okan Tüysüz also criticized urban transformation practices in Istanbul. Stating that urbanization is proceeding in an extremely unplanned manner, Tüysüz said, "Our urbanization is very haphazard. Go to Esenler, Bakırköy, Bahçelievler. When a building collapses in an earthquake, it will be impossible to enter that street again."
“THE DEBRIS COULD NOT BE REMOVED FOR 1 WEEK”
Stating that past examples serve as a warning, Tüysüz recalled the building that collapsed in Gebze. Emphasizing that despite support arriving from surrounding provinces after the incident, the efforts remained insufficient, Tüysüz said, "Despite support coming from surrounding provinces, the debris could not be removed for 1 week."
“ISTANBUL WILL BECOME UNMANAGEABLE”
Sharing a striking prediction regarding the scenario in a possible Marmara earthquake, Tüysüz said that approximately 80 thousand buildings could collapse. Stating that the city would become dysfunctional in this case, Tüysüz assessed, "Istanbul will become unmanageable."
“URBAN TRANSFORMATION HAS BECOME BUILDING TRANSFORMATION”
Arguing that urban transformation has deviated from its purpose, Tüysüz emphasized that the main goal should be to eliminate haphazard construction.
"You need to open up streets, create green spaces. You shouldn't increase the population. Building high-rise buildings also increases the population," said Tüysüz, noting that what has been done so far is not true urban transformation.
Tüysüz stated, "Urban transformation has not been done to date; building transformation has been done. Instead of simplifying the city in terms of population, we are filling it up."
“YOU ARE DRAGGING PEOPLE TOWARD DISASTER”
Touching upon new settlement areas and major projects, Tüysüz issued a striking warning regarding Kanal İstanbul.
Stating that the project will increase population pressure, Tüysüz said, "If you build Kanal İstanbul, it means 1 million more people will come to Istanbul. You will add 1 million more people on top of the population. In other words, you are dragging people toward disaster with your own hands."
“IT WOULD NOT BE SURPRISING IF THE EARTHQUAKE HAPPENED A MOMENT FROM NOW”
Emphasizing that preparation for an earthquake should not be limited to just renewing buildings, Tüysüz said that education and inspection are of vital importance.
Stating that a precise date cannot be given for the earthquake, Tüysüz pointed out that the risk is valid at any moment, saying, "It would not be surprising at all if an earthquake happened in the Marmara region a moment from now."