22.10.2025 14:34
Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration, AFAD, and the Union of Municipalities, conducted field studies on 5 fault lines in Van, Ağrı, and Hakkari. Teams excavated trenches in the three cities to search for traces of past earthquakes. As a result of the research, it was determined that the Yüksekova and Şemdinli faults pose a significant risk.
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Within the scope of the project supported by TÜBİTAK with 8.5 million lira, a team of 6 people, including Prof. Dr. Azad Sağlam Selçuk, Director of Van YYÜ Disaster Management and Earthquake Research Center, Prof. Dr. Levent Selçuk, Faculty Member of the Department of Geological Engineering at Van YYÜ Faculty of Engineering, and Dr. Faculty Member Sacit Mutlu from the Department of Emergency and Disaster Management at Van YYÜ Vocational School of Security, conducted research on the fault lines in Başkale and Erciş in Van, Yüksekova and Şemdinli in Hakkari, and Tutak in Ağrı, which are considered risky.
The research team excavated trenches 30 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 4 meters deep in the identified areas to collect geological data for determining and dating old earthquake traces. The project aims to complete the studies on the characteristic features and earthquake recurrence intervals of 5 faults deemed dangerous by the end of the year, and the data obtained will also be shared with institutions such as TÜBİTAK, AFAD, Environmental and Urban Planning Provincial Directorates, and municipalities. Academics are also trying to contribute to raising earthquake awareness by explaining this data to students in their classes.
"THE GROUND OF YÜKSEKOVA IS QUITE WEAK IN TERMS OF EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE" Dr. Faculty Member Mutlu stated that they have completed excavation studies on the faults in Başkale and Erciş in Van, Yüksekova and Şemdinli in Hakkari, and Tutak in Ağrı. He mentioned that they also investigated the fault that has the potential to produce earthquakes in Erciş, which was affected by the earthquakes that occurred on October 23 and November 9, 2011, saying: "The 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Van occurred on a thrust fault. Almost all of the faults formed due to tectonics in the region cause destructive earthquakes. We conducted field studies in our region. We examined the Başkale and Erciş faults in Van, the Yüksekova and Şemdinli faults in Hakkari, and the Tutak fault in Ağrı. Currently, one of the faults that poses a serious risk is the Yüksekova and Şemdinli fault. There is no record of a destructive earthquake on this fault in historical times. We do not have numerical data regarding this. We clearly observed the levels of earthquake events that we did not see in either the historical or instrumental periods during the excavation studies. The region is considered a seismic gap. The ground of Yüksekova is quite weak in terms of earthquake resistance. We can say it is one of the faults that could pose a serious risk for the region."
Explaining that they conducted age analysis from the samples taken during the excavation studies on the fault lines, Mutlu said, "As a result, we are trying to reveal the history of the fault. We sent the samples to TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center. We have the results, but the calibrations of the ages have not been done yet. We will evaluate the results clearly." he said.
"IT WILL NOT REMAIN ON THE SHELVES AS A SCIENTIFIC STUDY" Emphasizing that effective disaster response requires interdisciplinary work, Mutlu stated that they are trying to instill such a perspective in students and convey what needs to be done before, during, and after a disaster.
Mutlu expressed that disaster management is not a task that can be done by a single institution, and that all segments of society, including universities, need to be involved. He said, "The awareness of disaster management needs to be conveyed from kindergarten to university level. We are also trying to raise students with this awareness. The maps prepared will be used in urban planning studies. Our work will not remain on the shelves as a scientific study. We share all the information, data, and earthquake recurrence intervals of the faults we obtained with all relevant institutions, AFAD, Environmental and Urban Planning Provincial Directorates, and municipalities. Our studies will also be utilized when buildings are constructed." he stated.
Pointing out that great pains have been experienced in the destructive earthquakes that have occurred in the country, Mutlu noted: "In the two major earthquakes that occurred in Van in 2011, 644 of our citizens lost their lives. Since that day, we have been experiencing the effects of the earthquake both structurally, psychologically, and sociologically. We need to plan the future by learning from the pains. The only way to achieve this is through disaster risk management. First of all, everyone needs to learn disaster management. AFAD has training related to disasters through e-Government. Everyone can easily access these applications."
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