04.02.2025 16:00
In the Aegean Sea, 754 tremors have been recorded from January 26 until today at 2:00 PM. Prof. Dr. Samet Arslan, who works at Gazi University, spoke about predictions regarding the potential eruption of the Santorini Volcano. Arslan stated, "The volcano causes small fractures in an area within a 10-kilometer range near the seabed. Therefore, we do not expect something like a large volcanic eruption."
According to the data from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), as of January 28 at 14:00, 754 earthquakes have been recorded in the Aegean Sea.
LARGEST EARTHQUAKE MEASURED 4.9 As a result of this activity, which developed in the form of an earthquake storm, there were 1 earthquake with a magnitude of less than 1, 109 earthquakes between 1-2, 293 earthquakes between 2-3, 294 earthquakes between 3-4, and 57 earthquakes between 4-5. The largest of these earthquakes was recorded as 4.9. The earthquakes increased approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Santorini Island, with depths ranging from 5 to 25 kilometers.
PROFESSOR'S STRIKING EARTHQUAKE STATEMENT Prof. Dr. Samet Arslan, Director of DEMAR at Gazi University, regarding the earthquakes concentrated about 25 kilometers northeast of Santorini Island, stated, "There are already earthquake series in the formation of the Aegean Sea. We call earthquakes that last for weeks, months, or even years 'earthquake storms.' Earthquake storms are a situation that the countries bordering the Aegean Sea, especially Turkey and Greece, are accustomed to. In 2011, there was an earthquake in the same Santorini Island and its surroundings; it was an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7-7.8. The duration of this earthquake was approximately 14 months. The tremors continued for 14 months and then stopped. The earthquakes occurring in the Aegean are not like the ones we experienced in the Kahramanmaraş earthquake two years ago. They are very different in character. The fault movement and earthquake source here are somewhat different. These earthquakes are not caused by mechanical fault movement, but rather by volcanic activity. These earthquakes are predominantly of magnitudes 4, 4.5, 5, and at most 5.5. They are not destructive earthquakes. However, they are numerous and have a very high psychological impact," he said.
"WITHDRAWAL NOT RELATED TO EARTHQUAKES" Prof. Dr. Arslan also commented on the claims of water withdrawal along the shores of İzmir Bay and the potential tsunami threat, stating, "The region is approximately 170 kilometers away from the center where the earthquake is currently occurring. I believe it is closest to Bodrum. A tsunami generated by an earthquake of this magnitude would not affect the shores at a distance of 150 kilometers. However, this does not mean that these earthquakes will continue with low intensity. But it is quite difficult to predict natural events. Therefore, we think it will not be affected. Based on past events, I do not believe that the withdrawal of water is related to these earthquakes. However, it would be beneficial for our citizens along the southwestern coasts to stay away from the seaside as a precaution. I especially recommend that those in the regions south of İzmir, such as Aydın and Muğla, stay at higher elevations, 2-3 meters or even 4 meters higher. Early warning systems already notify about the possibility of a tsunami half an hour in advance," he said.
"IT IS BENEFICIAL FOR OUR CITIZENS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS" Although the earthquakes are small, Prof. Dr. Arslan pointed out that there may be risks in buildings that were damaged but unnoticed during the 2020 İzmir earthquake or in already weak buildings, stating, "Even small tremors can cause various objects inside buildings, such as bookshelves and wardrobes, to fall. These can lead to injuries or loss of life. Therefore, it is beneficial for our citizens to take precautions regarding this," he said.
"VOLCANIC ACTIVITY IN THE REGION WAS KNOWN" Regarding the predictions that the Santorini Volcano could erupt, Prof. Dr. Arslan stated, "We know that the earthquakes in the Aegean Sea started on January 28. I believe there was a report published by the Athens Technical University at the time it first started. It was already known that there was volcanic activity under the sea in this region in December and January, and they had already noticed a movement as a result of previous vibrations and monitoring. Therefore, they are now evacuating the island. The volcano causes small fractures in a region close to the seabed, within a 10-kilometer range. It causes a series of small fractures one after another. These only lead to small earthquakes. Therefore, we do not expect a large volcanic eruption," he said.
Prof. Dr. Samet Arslan.