17.02.2025 17:02
A 3.5 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Ankara caused great fear in the region. Earthquake expert Şükrü Ersoy stated, "The earthquake was felt more strongly due to the loose ground beneath the structures in Ankara." One of the citizens who experienced the earthquake commented, "I have never seen anything like this before. It felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest."
According to AFAD data, a 3.5 magnitude earthquake occurred in Ankara today during the afternoon hours. Although the magnitude is not high, the earthquake lasted quite a long time and caused great panic among citizens. Earthquake Expert Şükrü Ersoy explained the unknown details about the earthquake live on air.
"THE EARTHQUAKE IS NOT BIG, ONLY FELT"
Prof. Dr. Ersoy stated on CNN Türk, "I wish a speedy recovery to our citizens living in Ankara. An earthquake of 3.5 magnitude is not a big earthquake, it is not destructive, it is only felt. If there is loose ground under the structure, it can cause the earthquake to be felt for a longer time, and the Ankara region is such a place. There is no very active fault in Ankara and its surroundings.
You need to consider the ground beneath where you are located. Strengthening can be done, and you can bring it up to the standard of new regulations. An earthquake of 3.5 magnitude cannot destroy a structure. If the static condition of the building has been altered, it can collapse on its own, and it is not correct to hold the earthquake responsible for that. The degree of damage starts after 5. Normally, that is not even correct. Even if your house is damaged in the biggest earthquake, what matters is that you survive. If it collapses, it means there is a flaw in the plan," he stated.
"I THOUGHT CARS HAD CRASHED"
On the other hand, citizens living in the Yenimahalle district of Ankara, where the earthquake's epicenter was located, shared their moments of panic. One citizen, who expressed that they were scared during the earthquake and rushed outside, said, "I came to the park out of fear, I was reading the Quran. Suddenly there was a tremor. I thought cars had crashed. My grandson in the army also called me and said, 'grandma, come to the door, there is an earthquake,' so I came here. I don't know how to get back inside. I have never seen anything like this before. My heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest," he said.
"THE GLASS OF THE DISPLAY CASE IN THE LIVING ROOM WENT AND CAME BACK"
A citizen who felt the earthquake while cleaning the glass said, "It shook a lot. The glass of the display case in the living room went and came back. I took the medicines and went outside." Another citizen stated, "I was lying down during the earthquake, the house shook. Then we went out of the house. The neighbors also came out," he said.
"WE RAN OUTSIDE IN FEAR AS A CLASS"
A student who was at school during the earthquake said, "We ran outside in fear as a class. The whole school was outside. Then we went back inside to get our bags." Another citizen said, "We were on the 7th floor today. The chairs lifted three times. Out of fear, we took the elevator, came to the park, and are waiting. May God protect us all," he said.