"Critical warning from experts following the earthquake in Rize."

The earthquake, whose epicenter was determined by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) to be in the Hemşin district, occurred yesterday at 12:02 PM. The earthquake, which took place at a depth of 12.85 kilometers, was felt not only in Hemşin but also in surrounding provinces. The earthquake, which caused a brief panic, did not result in any negative outcomes according to initial assessments. The earthquake that occurred in the city, where field surveys are ongoing, has once again raised the question, 'Do earthquakes trigger landslides?'

LANDSLIDE AREAS MAY BE TRIGGERED

Experts stated that variability in precipitation patterns due to global warming leads to soil movement, especially in steep and inclined terrains in the Eastern Black Sea region, and that micro earthquakes occurring between the active Black Sea and North Anatolian fault lines could trigger landslide areas.

"WE EXPERIENCED A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE"

Prof. Dr. Ayberk Kaya, Director of the Landslide Research Center at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University (RTEÜ) and a Geological Engineer, evaluated the effects and risks of yesterday's earthquake in relation to the landslides that have been frequently occurring in the region recently. Emphasizing that the perception of 'earthquakes do not occur in the Eastern Black Sea' is incorrect, Prof. Dr. Kaya stated, "We experienced a major earthquake with its epicenter in the Hemşin district of Rize. As a result of this earthquake, there was no loss of life or property. As is known, there is unfortunately a perception that 'there are no earthquakes in our country's Eastern Black Sea Region, there is no active fault zone here.' This is a misconception; there is an active fault zone here, which is a fault that has formed unexpectedly. This fault is likely a result of the accumulation of high stress occurring along fault zones extending northeast and southwest, and we characterize it as an earthquake." he said.

"SOME QUESTIONS HAVE ARISEN"

Pointing out that earthquakes could trigger landslides in the region, Prof. Dr. Kaya said, "It is generally thought that the likelihood of earthquakes occurring in the Eastern Black Sea is low. However, following the most recent earthquake, some questions have arisen in our minds. 'How prepared are we for earthquakes in Rize?', 'Are we prepared in terms of building stock for earthquakes?' We need to examine these issues. In the Eastern Black Sea, especially Rize, is one of the provinces where landslides and rockfalls occur the most in terms of mass movements. Although the triggering factors for landslides and rockfalls in our region are excessive rainfall and snowmelt, the vibrations caused by earthquakes also somewhat trigger landslides and rockfalls. Therefore, citizens living in disaster-prone areas need to cease residing in these regions and continue to live in areas that we consider safe." he added.