Earthquake and tsunami warning issued for that region: We have half an hour

While the seismic activity that has been ongoing in the Aegean Sea since January 28 is gradually decreasing, experts continue to issue important warnings.

Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir, Director of the Earthquake Research and Application Center at Dokuz Eylül University (DEÜ), made striking assessments regarding earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions at the İzmir Disaster Coordination Workshop organized by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality at the Historical Coal Gas Factory.

Stating that İzmir is not limited to the danger of earthquakes and tsunamis, Sözbilir said, "All natural disasters seen in the world can also be effective in İzmir at certain times. Recently, the risk of volcanic eruption has also become a significant threat. Therefore, volcanic eruptions should be added to the İzmir Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Plan, and necessary preparations should be made in this regard."

ACTIVITY IN SANTORINI

Prof. Dr. Sözbilir stated that the earthquakes occurring in the Aegean Sea are concentrated in the north of Santorini Island, and drew attention to the volcanic activity in the region with the following remarks:

"Volcanic eruptions have occurred in this region 5-6 times in the past. Every volcanic activity was followed first by earthquakes, then by a tsunami, and then by a new volcanic eruption. These occur as a result of the African plate subducting under the Anatolian plate. As long as this process continues, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis will continue to be seen in the region for thousands of years."

Stating that the major eruption that took place in Santorini in 1600 BC led to a magnitude 6 earthquake, Sözbilir expressed that if such an event were to recur, there would be an intense release of ash and gas into the atmosphere, which could cause air pollution, damage to agricultural lands, and various environmental problems.

HALF AN HOUR AGAINST TSUNAMI

Emphasizing that one must be prepared for a possible tsunami on the Aegean coasts, Sözbilir issued the following warning:

"A tsunami does not occur immediately after an earthquake because it takes a certain amount of time for the waves to reach the shore. A tsunami that may form in the Aegean Region can reach the coasts in about half an hour. Therefore, it is of vital importance that citizens living in coastal areas know what to do. The most important rule is to move away from the coast and head to areas higher than sea level during a tsunami."