7.5 Magnitude Earthquake Warning Near Antalya: It Would Be Highly Destructive

Earthquake Scientist Serkan İçelli stated that earthquakes with a magnitude of 7–7.5 around the Aegean arc and its surroundings would not be a surprise. He issued critical warnings for Manisa, Antalya’s neighbor Muğla, and the Mediterranean region.

CRITICAL WARNING FOR THE AEGEAN REGION AFTER BALIKESİR EARTHQUAKE

Having previously predicted the February 6, 2023 earthquakes and the recent Balıkesir quake, İçelli once again drew attention to the earthquake risk in the Aegean Region. He pointed out the increasing seismic activity in the fault lines in Manisa and Muğla, saying, “The Aegean arc is very active. Earthquakes of magnitude 7–7.5 here will never be a surprise.”

BALIKESİR EARTHQUAKE FELT IN 11 PROVINCES

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir. It was felt in İzmir, Kütahya, Yalova, Istanbul, Manisa, Uşak, Aydın, Eskişehir, Sakarya, and Tekirdağ. Residents panicked, and some rushed outdoors. Experts said the quake occurred on the western tip of the Simav Fault, which is both strike-slip and dip-slip in nature.

"NOT A SURPRISE, WE WERE AWARE"

İçelli noted that the earthquake had given signs about 10 days earlier with increased seismic activity. “Although it was magnitude 6.1, the intensity felt at the epicenter reached 8. Because our building stock is poor, the destructive power was high,” he said. He added that while the major risk on the Simav Fault has temporarily decreased, nearby “wild fractures” could still produce earthquakes of magnitude 6–6.5.

WARNING FOR MANISA AND MUĞLA

İçelli stated that aftershocks are increasing toward Manisa, “There is currently no earthquake cluster on the Manisa Fault, but this does not mean a crisis will not occur soon,” he said. He also emphasized signs of crisis on the Gökova and Muğla fault lines.

MAJOR EARTHQUAKE POTENTIAL IN THE AEGEAN AND MEDITERRANEAN

“The Aegean arc is active, and earthquakes of magnitude 7–7.5 here are not a surprise. Tremors will continue from İzmir to Hatay,” said İçelli. For Istanbul, he predicted a maximum possible scenario of a 6.5 magnitude quake.

EXPERTS CALL FOR EARTHQUAKE PRECAUTIONS

İçelli advised citizens to act on the fact that “earthquakes will definitely happen” instead of focusing on “where and when.” He stressed that proper ground surveys, solid construction, and conscious urban planning could reduce the damage.