Back-to-back earthquakes in Denizli! Frightening warning from expert: 'The fault is ready to break'

The earthquakes with magnitudes of 4 and near 4 recorded in Denizli over the last two days have brought the region's seismic history and future risks back to the agenda. The Pamukkale Fault draws attention with both its past destructive earthquakes and its foreshocks.

Prof. Dr. Süleyman Pampal states that this fault has completed its rupture period and is ready for a major earthquake.

In 60 AD, an earthquake with a magnitude reaching 7.5 occurred on the Pamukkale Fault, leveling the ancient cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea. The region, which also experienced major earthquakes in 1354, 1703, and 1717, has a record of 33 earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 4 in the historical period. Prof. Dr. Pampal says, “These earthquakes clearly show us that Pamukkale is a dangerous fault.”

Evaluating the magnitude 4 earthquake that occurred on December 18 and the 3.7 magnitude tremor on December 19 for Milliyet, Pampal stated that these earthquakes could be foreshocks:

“Before the 1995 Dinar Earthquake, there were 77 tremors in the region ranging from magnitude 3 to 5. A similar scenario could develop in Denizli. However, there is no rule that every foreshock will immediately lead to a main shock. This process can take hours, days, or months.”

Denizli, which has rapidly industrialized and urbanized in recent years, has major deficiencies in earthquake preparedness. Stating that “mistakes are being repeated,” Pampal emphasized that multi-story reinforced concrete buildings constructed on alluvial soil carry great risk:

“The principle of soil and structure suitable for earthquakes is being violated. Heavy and multi-story structures are being built. The earthquakes we are experiencing are producing results that make us say, ‘I brought this upon myself.’”

Emphasizing that there is no region in Turkey independent of earthquake danger, Pampal reminded that Denizli is located on the Büyük Menderes and Gediz Grabens:

“Denizli is one of the most critical points in the country in terms of earthquake danger. Yet, this region is not discussed enough. When the Pamukkale Fault breaks, an earthquake of magnitude 7 or greater will be inevitable.”

CALL FOR EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS

Stating that while intensive work has been carried out for Istanbul and its surroundings following the major earthquakes on February 6, sufficient awareness has not been created in high-risk regions like Denizli, Pampal said, “We have to live with earthquakes, but we can minimize the loss of life and property with the right precautions.”

As in every part of Turkey, earthquake-resistant construction and awareness-raising efforts in Denizli are among the measures that must be implemented without delay.