Critical warning for Marmara from expert! 'Earthquakes up to 7 may occur'

The earthquakes that occurred in the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir have increased concerns regarding potential major earthquakes in the Marmara region. Earthquake expert Prof. Dr. Şükrü Ersoy stated that an earthquake exceeding magnitude 7 could occur in Marmara at any moment, noting that every residential area in Turkey carries an earthquake risk.

Speaking at an earthquake seminar held in the İzmit district of Kocaeli, Prof. Dr. Şükrü Ersoy evaluated the work carried out since the 1999 Kocaeli Earthquake and emphasized the need to develop a culture of disaster preparedness. Ersoy said, "There is no residential area in Turkey that will not be affected by an earthquake. Major earthquakes will happen again; we must be prepared."

Stating that society needs to be educated about earthquakes, Ersoy said, "We talk about what needs to be done after every earthquake. The Turkish people have a culture of solidarity, but they lack a culture of disaster preparedness. We must teach future generations what to do and strengthen our structures."

Stating that they also expect earthquakes in Western Anatolia, Ersoy said, "There has not been a major earthquake in Western Anatolia since 1970. The Balıkesir earthquake was an expected one. However, the Sındırgı earthquake will not be the only one; new earthquakes may occur in Western Anatolia."

Ersoy stated that every region of Turkey is at risk of earthquakes, adding, "Major earthquakes will occur in the future. We will not suffer damage when we develop a culture of disaster preparedness and strengthen our structures."

Finally, noting that the southern branch of the North Anatolian Fault, which passes through the Marmara Sea, should not be ignored, Ersoy warned, "Earthquakes up to 7 may also occur in the south."

News Source: 12punto