Warning from Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir: Çanakkale Earthquake Could Trigger Earthquake Storm
The recent earthquake in Çanakkale has raised concerns about the possibility of an earthquake storm occurring in the region, according to statements made by Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir. The earthquake, which hit Çanakkale with a magnitude of 5.0-5.3, was described as a triggered earthquake with a faulting mechanism of the EW-trending normal fault type within the Gulf of Edremit.
Prof. Dr. Sözbilir, referencing a previous earthquake centered in Edremit Bay in 1944, emphasized the potential risks associated with the region’s fault lines. The 1944 earthquake resulted in the loss of 73 lives and caused extensive damage to over 2,200 buildings. Sözbilir highlighted the impact of the recent Çanakkale-Ayvacık earthquakes in February 2017, which caused significant damage to village houses with a main shock of 5.3 magnitude.
While Sözbilir reassured that there is currently no immediate threat of a devastating earthquake in the region due to the low slip rate of the Edremit Fault, he warned that the convergence of multiple fault lines in the Gulf of Edremit could lead to an earthquake storm in the future. He urged for increased preparedness and monitoring of seismic activity in the area to mitigate potential risks.
It is essential for residents and authorities in Çanakkale and surrounding areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety in the event of any future earthquakes.
