09.02.2025 11:40
While the sea water receded about 100 meters from the shore at Silivri beach in Istanbul, it was observed that small islands formed from the sand on the beach. A similar sight was reported from Seferihisar, Izmir, where boats were seen stranded as the sea withdrew. The images from Istanbul and Izmir caused great panic due to the earthquake storm in the Aegean, and experts made consecutive statements regarding the situation.
The withdrawal of seawater by approximately 100 meters in Istanbul and Izmir has caused great panic among citizens due to the ongoing earthquake storm in the Aegean Sea.
Experts have responded consecutively to the claim that these images are signs of a possible major earthquake. Evaluating the withdrawal of seawater by 100 meters from the coast in Silivri, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Toros, a faculty member of the Climate Science and Meteorology Engineering Department at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), stated that the northeast wind is effective in the region.
"THE EFFECT OF STRONG AND LONG-LASTING WINDS" Stating that "Winds can affect the water level on the coasts," Toros said, "Strong and long-lasting winds can lower the water level by pulling the water out to the open sea. On the other hand, they can cause the sea level to rise by pushing the water towards the shore. Northerly winds are taking the water from Silivri towards Bandırma. It is highly likely that there has been a rise in water levels in Bandırma." he stated.
Noting that those living in coastal areas like Silivri may frequently encounter this event, Toros said, "This is a natural process that frequently occurs when the wind blows for a long time. There is nothing to be afraid of. This is not a tide; it is the effect of the wind." Toros added that the wind is expected to continue to be effective in the region until Wednesday.
"NO CONNECTION TO SANTORINI AND EARTHQUAKES" Prof. Dr. Doğan Yaşar, a member of the TÜBA Environment, Biodiversity, and Climate Change Working Group, stated that a very strong northerly wind began in Izmir on February 4, saying, "Due to the strength of the northerly wind, the sea level has started to gradually decrease. This event we are experiencing has no connection to Santorini and the earthquakes occurring there. This is an event we see occasionally in February and March. We saw it in 2021 and 2022 as well. The strong northerly wind pushes the water southward. As the water accumulates southward from the Marmara, all shallow areas become exposed. The withdrawal starts first in Dikili. Currently, the water level here has decreased by approximately 40-50 centimeters, and it will continue to drop to 70-80 centimeters by Tuesday, but there is nothing to be afraid of. It is a normal natural event," he said.
Prof. Dr. Yaşar stated, "In Turkey, we have started to fear nature. Because we turn disasters into catastrophes. When an earthquake occurs, weak buildings collapse, and we build houses in flood zones; floods occur. We are afraid of these. There is no need to fear nature; nature does not strike back. It tells us what to do in advance, and if we can take the necessary precautions, we will not face any problems, and we will have no fears. However, we tremble in fear even at the slightest natural movement," he said.