Experts warn: High earthquake risk in Bingöl, Erzincan, and Elazığ: Could reach magnitude 7.2

The 4.5-magnitude earthquake that occurred on Wednesday in the Pasinler district of Erzurum has led to a renewed discussion regarding the region's earthquake risk.

FRIGHTENING WARNING FROM EXPERTS

Experts state that such tremors indicate activity along the region's main fault lines. Geological Engineer Prof. Dr. Okan Tüysüz said that the region is located on active faults and that this situation makes major earthquakes inevitable.

Speaking to NTV, Prof. Dr. Okan Tüysüz stated that Erzurum is among the 24 high-risk provinces in Turkey where active fault lines pass. Tüysüz said, "It is not possible to say anything definitive about an earthquake happening today or tomorrow. However, according to scientific data, major earthquakes in Erzurum and its surroundings are inevitable."

Tüysüz also emphasized that the public must be ready for an earthquake at any moment.

UP TO MAGNITUDE 7...

Experts stated that earthquakes reaching a magnitude of 7 could occur along the North East Anatolian Fault, which includes Erzurum.

Prof. Dr. Tüysüz recalled the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that occurred in the Narman district of Erzurum in 1983, expressing that there is a high probability of such magnitude earthquakes recurring.

"Activity continues on this fault. The recurrence of earthquakes reaching a magnitude of 6.9 or 7 is expected," said Tüysüz, adding that construction in the region should be organized with this risk in mind.

ANNOUNCED THE PROVINCES THAT WILL BE AFFECTED

Stating that another important factor to consider in the region is the North Anatolian Fault Line, which starts from Bingöl Karlıova and extends to the Sea of Marmara, Tüysüz noted that this fault line could produce earthquakes reaching a magnitude of 7.2.

Tüysüz said, "An earthquake occurring on the North Anatolian Fault Line could also create serious effects in provinces such as Bingöl, Erzincan, and Elazığ."