Gas odor reported one day before 6.2 magnitude earthquake

Immediately before the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred off the coast of Silivri, Istanbul, a strong gas odor was felt in the evening hours in Gaziköy Neighborhood, which is located at the point where the Ganos Fault exits the Sea of Marmara. Neighborhood residents stated that the odor was coming specifically from the direction of the Sea of Marmara and resembled the gas odor from a drilling incident that had previously occurred in the village.

GAS RELEASED DURING 2023 DRILLING

During a drilling operation conducted in Gaziköy in October 2023, a significant gas release was detected at a depth of 150 meters. Although the citizen performing the drilling intended to find water, the gas that emerged drew attention in the region. Neighborhood Headman Ali Altıntaş emphasized that the drilling site is located exactly on the Ganos Fault and stated that the gas release still continues from time to time.

CONCERN AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

In his statement, Gaziköy Headman Ali Altıntaş said, "A strong gas odor spread through our village one day before the earthquake. We observed that it was coming from the Sea of Marmara. We were not overly concerned at the time because it resembled the smell of the gas that emerged during the drilling work in October 2023. However, after the Silivri earthquake occurred, this situation made us think. Because we realized that the gas odor might be related to the fault line. The effect of the odor lasted for 5-6 minutes."

ANXIOUS WAIT ON THE GANOS FAULT

Stating that the Ganos Fault extends from the Marmara Trough to the Gulf of Saros, Altıntaş said that the region has not experienced a major earthquake since 1912, but that anxiety in the neighborhood has increased following smaller earthquakes. Residents living in Gaziköy expressed that they are more cautious regarding activity on the Ganos Fault following past experiences and recent events.

News Source: İHA