Earthquake expert's warning for Malatya: If an earthquake of that magnitude occurs, the fault will break!

Prof. Dr. Övgün Ahmet Ercan issued a second warning following the 5.9-magnitude earthquake that occurred yesterday in the Kale district of Malatya.

Ercan had stated the following:

Today, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake occurred in Malatya. This earthquake is an aftershock of the two major earthquakes that took place in 2023. The energy release in 2023 occurred along approximately 4 faults. Releases occurred along the East Anatolian Fault, the Dead Sea Fault, as well as the Arabian Fault and the Adana Fault.

THERE WERE MISSING AFTERSHOCKS

Therefore, the aftershocks of the energy release of approximately magnitude 8 were few. There were missing earthquakes we expected that could reach magnitudes of 6.5-7. One of these earthquakes occurred today in Malatya. It would not be surprising if we see aftershocks in the region reaching 6-6.5-7 at least until 2027.

Winter is approaching, so unfortunately, it is expected that aftershocks will continue along these 4 main faults that have ruptured and become active. Following the 6-magnitude earthquake, Malatya earthquakes reaching 5 or 5.2 can be seen in this region again.

SHARED THE DESTRUCTION THRESHOLD VALUE

In his assessment today, Prof. Dr. Ercan noted the following:

"There are 6 earthquake-generating regions and over 500 active faults in Turkey. The destruction threshold value is M5.2 in the East, M6 in Central Anatolia, and 6.4 in Western Anatolia. As a country becomes more prosperous and enlightened, earthquake destruction decreases. Earthquakes are the evolution of the earth; the destruction they cause is managerial."