The recent 6.2 magnitude earthquake which struck Istanbul on 23 April is being seen as a serious warning rather than a release of seismic energy, according to Japanese earthquake expert Yoshinori Moriwaki. While the quake caused no fatalities, he warned that a larger quake, possibly over magnitude 7.0, is likely in the coming twelve to fifteen years. Istanbul lies near the North Anatolian Fault (NAF), a historically active fault line responsible for many major earthquakes across Türkiye. Moriwaki explained that the NAF, along with the South Marmara Fault, poses a continued risk to the Marmara region, with Istanbul particularly vulnerable due to soft ground in coastal districts. He urged residents not to panic but to be prepared, looking for ground stability and building regulations when choosing homes. The April quake triggered hundreds of aftershocks and follows patterns seen in destructive historical events. Despite the threat, Moriwaki remains hopeful that awareness and preparation can mitigate future damage and save lives.
Türkiye: ‘treat Istanbul quake as a serious warning’
Written by David Fletcher 01 May 2025
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- Pray: for safety, wisdom, and readiness for all living in earthquake-prone regions. Pray especially that all new buildings will be constructed responsibly. (Proverbs 11:3)
- More: www.dailysabah.com/turkiye/istanbul/istanbuls-recent-62-quake-may-point-to-greater-risk-ahead