Expert Warning After Erzurum Earthquake: Seismic Activity Increasing in Eastern Anatolia
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 occurred in Pasinler district of Erzurum in the morning. According to Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) data, the earthquake occurred at shallow depth. According to preliminary findings, there was no loss of life, injury or serious material damage. However, experts warned of ongoing seismic activity in the region.
Effects of the Earthquake and Initial Assessments
Making a statement on his social media account after the earthquake, geoscientist Prof. Dr. Naci Görür stated that the tremor occurred on the Karayazı Fault Zone. Stating that the shallow depth of the earthquake caused it to be felt more on the surface, Görür emphasized that the Eastern Anatolia Region is generally under compression.
Prof. Dr. Görür pointed out that the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023 affected the fault lines in the region and stated that this activity carries a potential risk for new earthquakes. Sharing his wishes for the past, Görür said that the fault lines in the region should be closely monitored.
Karayazı Fault Zone and Risk Analysis
Karayazı Fault Zone is known as one of the important fault lines in the Eastern Anatolia Region. This line, where seismic activities are frequently observed around Erzurum, has a lateral thrust fault mechanism. The compression movements in the region can trigger medium and large-scale earthquakes from time to time.
This fault line is linked to the general tectonic structure of Eastern Anatolia and remains active due to the compression between the Eurasian and Arabian plates. Experts say that such earthquakes are a result of the energy accumulation in the region and may pave the way for bigger tremors in the coming period.
Impact of February 6 Earthquakes Continues
Prof. Dr. Görür stated that the February 6 earthquakes had triggering effects on the fault lines in Eastern Anatolia. Stating that the stress on neighboring fault lines may increase after large earthquakes, Görür emphasized that such earthquakes around Erzurum should be carefully monitored.
Experts point out that such medium-scale earthquakes are important in terms of energy discharge on fault lines. However, there are also warnings that the risk of a major earthquake in the long term has not completely disappeared.
Warnings and Preparation Recommendations for Citizens
Geoscientists say citizens in the region should be prepared for possible tremors. Measures such as having earthquake bags ready, testing the durability of buildings and reviewing emergency plans are vital for safety.
Public authorities should also review the earthquake resistance standards of buildings in the region. There are calls for strengthening buildings and accelerating urban transformation projects.
Future Risks and Precautions
The active structure of the Karayazı Fault Zone indicates that seismicity in the Eastern Anatolia Region will continue. Experts state that risk maps should be updated regularly and public awareness should be raised.
While AFAD and universities continue to monitor seismic activity in the region, citizens are advised to receive earthquake training and learn how to act in times of possible crisis.
