Turkey faces ongoing challenges with renewed earthquake activity, impacting various regions of the country. In the last 48 hours, a total of 879 earthquakes, of varying intensities, have shaken Turkey, leading to an average of 18 tremors per hour. The initial earthquake, measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale, occurred in the Balikesir province on August 10th, setting off a chain reaction of aftershocks. The region has seen 120 tremors in the 3-4 magnitude range and 17 between 4-5. The earthquake epicenters are positioned 11 kilometers below ground level, with most tremors registering below a magnitude of 3.
The Turkish government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has advised citizens to remain calm but vigilant. One death has been officially reported due to the recent quakes. In addition, 16 buildings have been destroyed across 68 villages, which has led to the arrest of a construction contractor.
The frequent earthquakes experienced by Turkey can be attributed to its location, which places it on the Anatolian, Eurasian, and Arabian tectonic plates. The shifting and friction between these plates frequently trigger seismic events. Furthermore, the presence of two active fault lines, namely the North Anatolian Fault and the East Anatolian Fault, adds to the ongoing seismic risks.
Turkey has a history of significant earthquake events, with 13 major earthquakes recorded over the last 85 years, resulting in an estimated 120,000 fatalities. The devastating 2023 earthquake claimed 50,000 lives, and led to the government’s increased focus on construction standards.