29.03.2026 12:50
Prof. Dr. Şener Üşümezsoy, who predicted the Silivri and Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, stated that the Simav fault has not fully released its stress. Üşümezsoy said, "The fault, which is approximately 25-30 kilometers long, has the potential to produce an earthquake of magnitude 6.5 if it breaks in one piece. The fact that Simav is built on this fault increases the risk."
Earthquake Expert Prof. Dr. Şener Üşümezsoy attended a conference held in Gediz, Kütahya, on the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the 1970 Gediz earthquake. Citizens showed great interest in the program held at the Cultural Center. Evaluating the fault lines in Kütahya and its surroundings, Üşümezsoy made striking statements, especially regarding the Simav fault.
"DID NOT FULLY RELEASE ITS STRESS"
Prof. Dr. Şener Üşümezsoy, who predicted the earthquakes of magnitude 6.2 that occurred in Istanbul on April 23, 2025, and the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake on February 6, 2023, stated that the Simav fault has not fully released its stress. Üşümezsoy expressed that this fault has the potential to produce an earthquake of magnitude 6.5. Comparing the seismic activity in Kütahya to "piano keys," Üşümezsoy emphasized that the main risk is concentrated along the Simav, Sındırgı, and Gediz line. He noted that the center of Kütahya carries a lower risk due to its location.
"HAS THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE A 6.5 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE"
Referring to the Simav earthquake that occurred in 2011, Üşümezsoy said, "The 5.9 magnitude earthquake did not end the process. If the fault, which is approximately 25-30 kilometers long, breaks in one piece, it has the potential to produce an earthquake of magnitude 6.5. The fact that Simav is built on this fault increases the risk."
Üşümezsoy stated that the frequent tremors experienced in the Emet and Yeşildere regions could be described as an "earthquake storm," noting that hot water sources affect fault movements. He expressed that rather than a large earthquake, many small ruptures are occurring in this area. Üşümezsoy mentioned that Gediz released a large part of its energy with the major earthquake that occurred in 1970, and the fragmented structure of the faults in Sındırgı is a factor that limits large earthquakes.
GEDIZ EARTHQUAKE
The earthquake that occurred in Gediz on March 28, 1970, measured 7.2 in magnitude, resulting in the loss of 1,086 lives, 1,260 injuries, and the district center was later relocated to a different area.