Mood of crisis in Istanbul: Experts warn of deadly earthquake!

Mood of crisis in Istanbul: Experts warn of deadly earthquake!

Experts are strongly warning of a possible 7.4 magnitude earthquake beneath Istanbul, and recent tremors in the region have already injured over 359 people. These quakes, which have so far reached a maximum magnitude of 6.2, are just the beginning: a future quake could exceed previous tremors by 60 times. Some experts even assume a magnitude of 7.7. Istanbul, with its 16 million inhabitants and its high proportion of earthquake-prone buildings, is not optimally prepared for such natural events.

The city has implemented inadequate protective measures in the past. An investigation by the city administration shows that an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 would cause around 14,500 deaths; other experts even fear that the number could be in the hundreds of thousands. The Sea of ​​Marmara region is one of the most geologically dangerous zones in the world. The North Anatolian Fault runs directly beneath the city and has not moved significantly in over 250 years, further increasing the likelihood of a major earthquake.

Geological risks and construction status

Geological activity beneath the Sea of ​​Marmara is increasing and moving toward Istanbul, further fueling concerns about earthquake safety in the metropolis. A recent estimate suggests that up to 1.6 million homes in the city are not earthquake-proof. In response to the current threat, the Istanbul city administration has organized a press event to inspect the building. During these inspections, building materials are tested, among other things, to ensure the safety of the buildings.

Residents are increasingly concerned about the safety of their homes, especially in older neighborhoods with unstable ground. After the devastating earthquake in the Turkish-Syrian border region, 85,000 residents in Istanbul have already requested that their buildings be inspected. Earthquake resistance testing includes drilling walls and testing concrete and steel samples. However, many residents may find it difficult to find new housing if their buildings are deemed unsafe, particularly in the current tight housing market.

Reactions and recommendations

Geologist Celâl Şengör has publicly advised people to leave Istanbul, which has led to a wave of uncertainty and departures. The city administration remains inadequately responding to concerns while the earth beneath Istanbul continues to vibrate. The possibility of a devastating earthquake remains a pressing issue, fueling both political and social debates. While some authorities are trying to provide citizens with information and conduct safety audits, building code compliance remains a significant challenge.

The experts agree that Istanbul is facing a ticking time bomb. The interaction of geological risks, inadequate housing and ongoing economic uncertainty makes the situation particularly dramatic. Preparations must be intensified if the city wants to overcome this challenge. The pressure on the city administration is increasing to take faster and effective measures to ensure the well-being of the population.

Experts stress that without immediate intervention, the potential for disaster could unnecessarily increase and call for more comprehensive protective measures and clear communication with citizens.