"An alarming earthquake warning for the Black Sea coast."

A frightening earthquake warning has been issued for the Black Sea coastline. According to experts, the region should be prepared for an earthquake of 6.6 or greater.

In recent years, the Eastern Black Sea region has frequently faced natural disasters such as landslides, rockfalls, floods, and inundations, which have caused loss of life and property, as well as damage to infrastructure. In addition to these, the risk of earthquakes is also coming to the forefront. Experts argue that small earthquakes occurring along the Black Sea fault trigger landslides, and they emphasize that even the slightest underground movement transfers energy to the mountains that run parallel to the sea.

"THE BLACK SEA FAULT THREATENS THE COAST"

Geology Engineer Prof. Dr. Osman Bektaş evaluated the 3.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred the other day in the Akçaabat district of Trabzon, which was felt in many parts of the city, emphasizing that the active Black Sea fault has the potential to produce earthquakes of up to 6.6 magnitude. Bektaş stated, "The Trabzon-Rize coastline is located between two earthquake zones. To the south, there are the North Anatolian Fault and the East North Anatolian Fault, which are the most active faults in Turkey; they encircle the coast from the south. From the north, the Black Sea fault threatens the coast. The 3.2 magnitude earthquake passed close to Trabzon because it was parallel to the coast," he said.

"THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PRODUCING AN EARTHQUAKE LARGER THAN 6.6"

Noting that the Black Sea coastline is surrounded by earthquake zones from both the north and south, Bektaş said, "According to AFAD data, the maximum earthquake magnitude that this fault can produce in the next 50 years is 6.6. This is 90% likely. However, there is a 10% chance that it could produce an earthquake larger than 6.6. Therefore, since the Eastern Black Sea coast is located between two earthquake zones from the north and south, the building stock should be constructed accordingly," he added.

"PREPARATIONS MUST BE MADE FOR A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE"

Bektaş expressed that the earthquakes occurring along the Black Sea coast affect the increase in stress on the faults, stating, "The location of the earthquake is quite interesting. In 2012, there was an earthquake of 5.6 magnitude on the Trabzon fault, which is in the sea. The aftershocks of this main earthquake reached Trabzon. The fact that the aftershocks reached Trabzon indicates that the stresses on the faults in this region have increased. Similarly, the 4.7 magnitude earthquake in Çamlıhemşin, Rize, in the last months of 2024 shows that the stresses on the faults in this region have increased. Is this earthquake a precursor? It is not possible to say anything for sure. According to AFAD data, the Black Sea coast must be prepared for an earthquake of 6.6 magnitude or greater at any moment. Coastal areas are much more dangerous and risky. The sandy areas along the coast increase the magnitude of the earthquake," he stated.

"EARTHQUAKES ACT AS A HAMMER ON THE SLOPES"

Prof. Dr. Osman Bektaş pointed out that earthquakes trigger landslides in the Eastern Black Sea region, stating, "Since 2012, the number of earthquakes of magnitude 3 along the Black Sea coast and in the sea has significantly increased. After the Çamlıhemşin earthquake, the slopes in Artvin became extremely active, and numerous landslides occurred there. The only factor triggering these landslides on the slopes is not just rainfall. The mountains are constantly rising, increasing the gravitational pull. These small and medium-sized earthquakes act as a hammer on the slopes. They can mobilize fractured, landslide-prone, and unstable structures. Landslides are influenced by the seismicity of the region, the rising of the mountains, and rainfall. Rainfall, gravity, and seismicity are the main causes of landslides in the region," he concluded.