Prof. Dr. Süleyman Pampal: "If Istanbul collapses, Turkey may be buried beneath it."

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A frightening prediction has emerged for the expected Istanbul earthquake. Prof. Dr. Süleyman Pampal, a member of the Earthquake Advisory Board of the Chamber of Geological Engineers, stated, "We expect an earthquake of magnitude 7.2."

As part of the earthquake action plan studies conducted by the Adana Metropolitan Municipality, a panel titled "Fault Lines and Earthquake Panel in Adana" was organized. Before the panel, Prof. Dr. Süleyman Pampal, the founding president of the Earthquake Research Center at Gazi University and a member of the Earthquake Advisory Board of the Chamber of Geological Engineers, made statements to the İhlas News Agency. Prof. Dr. Pampal noted that 11 provinces were affected by the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş and stated that the East Anatolian Fault and the Çardak Fault continue to produce earthquakes, saying:

"Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, and Adıyaman are located on the East Anatolian Fault, which is responsible for the largest earthquakes. Additionally, the districts of Kahramanmaraş are situated on the Çardak Fault, which produces the second-largest earthquakes. On February 6, two major earthquakes occurred, one with a magnitude of 7.7 and the other 7.6. These faults have ruptured. However, there are other faults around this fault that will not produce such large earthquakes but have the potential to generate earthquakes. Unfortunately, these faults continue to rupture. Especially due to the stress transferred to the ends of the faults, earthquakes are occurring in Malatya, Sivas, Adıyaman, and Syria. These earthquakes will continue. We can expect larger ones, but we cannot know when they will occur."

"THE FAULTS IN ADANA ARE NOT AS DESTRUCTIVE AS THE ONES ON FEBRUARY 6"

Prof. Dr. Pampal stated that the Akçalıuşağı and Bozdoğanuşağı faults in Adana could produce earthquakes of magnitudes between 5 and 6, saying, "The last earthquake in Adana occurred at the beginning of November in the Kozan district with a magnitude of 5. We came to Adana to check the current situation. There are Akçalıuşağı and Bozdoğanuşağı faults in Adana. These faults are close to populated areas such as Kozan, Saimbeyli, and Feke. These faults are rupturing. They are not faults that will produce earthquakes as destructive as those on February 6, but they are capable of producing earthquakes in the range of 5-6 magnitudes," he said.

"WE MUST MAKE ALL STRUCTURES EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT"

Prof. Dr. Süleyman Pampal explained that all of Turkey needs to prepare for earthquakes and that 80-90% of the building stock is not earthquake-resistant, stating, "We need to prepare our country for earthquakes with a spirit of mobilization. For this, an urban transformation law has been enacted. This law is continuing to develop. 80-90% of the building stock in our country is not earthquake-resistant. In this context, we have no choice but to strengthen the building stock. We need to reduce risks. There is danger, the danger is great, but danger exists everywhere. There is no square centimeter in Turkey that is exempt from danger. Therefore, there is only one thing we can do, which is to inform and raise awareness among our citizens. We must make all structures earthquake-resistant. It is not a matter of separation; everyone must contribute to this issue. Because when the earthquake comes, it does not discriminate. We need to join hands and solve this problem," he expressed.

"IF ISTANBUL COLLAPSES, TURKEY MAY BE BURIED BENEATH IT"

Speaking about the expected Istanbul earthquake, Prof. Dr. Pampal expressed that an earthquake of magnitude 7 and above is anticipated, stating, "We expect an earthquake between 7 and 7.5. I hope for an earthquake around 7.2. This is not something that can be wished for, but when we look at the upper and lower limits, I wish it would be closer to the lower limit. Considering the building stock of Istanbul, the result could be very bad. If Istanbul collapses, Turkey may be buried beneath it; we could all be buried. Therefore, we must prepare all of Turkey for earthquakes without separating cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Adana," he said.