Major earthquakes in Turkey's history
Today I want to share a brief summart of earthquakes in Turkey's recent history
Turkey has experienced earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 or higher at different times since the 1500s.
Geographically located in a seismically active region, Turkey is situated between the Eurasian, Arabian, and African plates. Within its borders, Turkey encompasses the North Anatolian Fault, East Anatolian Fault, and West Anatolian Fault lines, placing it within an earthquake-prone zone.
Experts highlight that "close to 60% of Turkey's population resides in active earthquake zones capable of causing damage." Therefore, there is an aim to construct earthquake-resistant buildings as part of urban transformation projects in Turkey.
TECTONIC PLATES
https://www.learner.org/wp-content/interactive/dynamicearth/tectonicsmap/index.html.
1939 Erzincan Earthquake
The 1939 Erzincan Earthquake holds a significant place among the historical earthquakes of Turkey. This earthquake occurred on December 26, 1939, at 01:57 within the borders of the Erzincan province. The magnitude of the earthquake was measured as 7.9 on the Richter scale.
According to the Mercalli Intensity Scale, the intensity of the earthquake was determined as the highest value, XII (Catastrophic). As a result, 116,720 buildings were completely destroyed. The official figures indicate that, due to the tremor, 32,968 people lost their lives, and over 100,000 people were injured.
1999 Gölcük Earthquake
The earthquake that occurred in the western part of the North Anatolian Fault Line, stretching from the northern regions of Turkey, took place on Tuesday, August 17, 1999, starting at 03:01 and lasting for 45 seconds.
The epicenter of the earthquake was declared as the Gölcük district of Izmit. Its magnitude was measured as 7.6 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on the Richter scale, and as 7.8 by the Kandilli Observatory of Boğaziçi University.
The tremor, with a depth of 17 kilometers, was determined to involve a rightward movement of the Earth's crust and a rupture along a 120-kilometer fault line.
17 Ağustos Earthquake, both in terms of population density and economic activities, significantly impacted Turkey's most crucial region.
According to official figures, the earthquake claimed the lives of 18,373 people, with 48,901 individuals injured and 5,840 reported missing. However, local residents argue that the actual death toll is much higher. Unofficial sources claim that casualties may be around 50,000.
Certain areas near the shoreline, such as Gölcük, Değirmendere, and Karamürsel, located south of the Izmit Gulf, witnessed parts near the coast submerging underwater during the earthquake. This phenomenon has been identified as a significant factor complicating the assessment of casualties and damage.
2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes
The earthquakes that have occurred are referred to as the most tragic event in Turkish history, being labeled as the "Century Disaster."
The earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş in 2023, the most devastating earthquake to occur in Turkey, took place on February 6, 2023, at 04:17 in the morning. The first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 and its epicenter was in the Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş. Nine hours later, a second earthquake occurred with a magnitude of 7.6, and its epicenter was in the Elbistan district of Kahramanmaraş.
As a result of the earthquakes, at least 50,783 people lost their lives in Turkey according to official figures, while in Syria, at least 8,476 people lost their lives, and more than 122,000 individuals were injured.
The destructive impact of the earthquake can also be observed through the formations created by fault lines in the Earth's crust.
According to official statements from reliable sources, it has been stated that the economic cost of the earthquakes that have occurred is estimated to be between 100-120 billion dollars.
Our country, situated on the Anatolian Peninsula, one of the most seismically active regions on Earth, has experienced numerous earthquakes throughout its history. Thousands of lives have been lost, and tens of thousands of people have been injured. Despite all these losses, sufficient planning regarding earthquakes has not been implemented, and the necessary infrastructure adjustments have not been made in our country. It is crucial for the state to take stricter measures and establish detailed programs. Urgent actions and plans must be implemented to minimize the potential losses from earthquakes in the coming decades.
