03.07.2025 14:17
Following the three earthquakes that occurred in the Gemlik district of Bursa, a concerning statement was made by Mehmet Yıldız, the President of the Chamber of Geological Engineers' Southern Marmara Branch. Yıldız indicated that the earthquakes serve as a warning, stating, "There are hot water springs in the center of Gemlik. Considering the temperatures of the waters in the last month, we can say that the stress has increased further and that a major earthquake is getting closer."
Earthquakes measuring 3.9, 4.2, and 4.3 occurred in Gemlik district of Bursa, one day apart, causing panic in the city center, Istanbul, Yalova, Kocaeli, and Bilecik. Following the earthquakes, the possibility of a major Marmara earthquake has come to the agenda again. Mehmet Yıldız, the President of the South Marmara Branch of the Chamber of Geological Engineers, made a frightening statement, saying that the Şahinyurdu region, where the earthquakes occurred, does not have the potential to produce a large and destructive earthquake.
"THERE IS NO POTENTIAL FOR A DESTRUCTIVE EARTHQUAKE, BUT IT MAY CONTINUE" Yıldız expressed that it is reassuring that there were no losses in the earthquakes, stating, "We are in an earthquake country. While the traces of February 6 have not yet been erased, this situation creates sensitivity among citizens. Considering what people felt, we can say that we experienced three earthquakes in the last two days. However, on July 1, a total of 8 earthquakes occurred. On July 2, again until the evening hours, a total of 6 earthquakes occurred, making a total of 14 earthquakes. The location of the earthquakes is important for us. When we look at earthquake solutions, we see that the region where the earthquake occurred is concentrated in the Gemlik Şahinyurdu area and a narrow region. When we look at the mechanism solutions of the earthquakes, we see that the slip movements occurred on normal faults. If we look at it, it is a region that does not have the potential to produce very large, destructive earthquakes. However, these earthquakes may continue. Our citizens should not be anxious," he said.
"A MAJOR MARMARA EARTHQUAKE COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME" Mehmet Yıldız stated, "The major Marmara earthquake scares us. After the Gölcük earthquake on August 17, an earthquake is expected to occur further west, in Marmara. Again, in 1065, there is a middle branch of the North Anatolian Fault Line that continues westward from the south of Lake Iznik and Gemlik center. An earthquake could occur here. A significant earthquake occurred in 1065. The recurrence period is 1000 years. In summary, it could happen at any moment. Whether the earthquake is today or 10 years later, considering the age of the world, this means it could happen at any time," he said.
'"EARTHQUAKES FROM 3 FAULTS ARE AFFECTING OUR REGION" Recalling the Bursa earthquake of 1855, Yıldız stated, "There is a southern branch of the North Anatolian Fault Line that could also affect Bursa. Here, we have the well-known 1855 earthquakes. Earthquakes occurred 41 days apart, causing serious destruction. These 3 faults can produce earthquakes that affect our region. You can include not only Bursa but also Istanbul, Kocaeli, Yalova, Balıkesir, and Çanakkale," he said.
"WE CAN SAY THAT THE BIG EARTHQUAKE IS GETTING CLOSER" Yıldız pointed out that there is a thermal water bed in the area where the Gemlik earthquakes occurred, stating, "When we look at the location of the earthquake and the type of fault, it can be said that it is hydrogeothermal in origin, related to Eocene volcanism. There are hot water springs in Gemlik center. Considering the temperatures of these waters in the last month, we can say that the stress has increased, indicating that the big earthquake is getting closer, and this stress triggered the earthquakes we experienced in the last two days," he said.
"THEY SHOULD CHECK COLUMNS AND BEAMS" Yıldız also warned citizens to check the columns and beams of the buildings they live in after the Gemlik earthquakes, stating, "After these earthquakes, our structures need to be reviewed. If there are any cracks in the columns and beams, it is beneficial to contact the authorities," he said.