Prof. Dr. Naci Görür issued a critical warning regarding the risk of a future earthquake in the Marmara region during a live broadcast on NTV.
The warning comes as Turkey continues to grapple with seismic vulnerabilities in densely populated areas. Immediate emergency measures are necessary to prevent mass casualties similar to previous disasters in the region.
Speaking on the anniversary of the 1999 Marmara earthquake, Görür outlined a seven-point earthquake prescription [1] to guide authorities and the public through urgent preparedness measures. The professor said there is a need for systemic changes to urban planning and building safety to mitigate the impact of future seismic events.
Görür said the region could face a possible magnitude 7.5 earthquake [3]. This risk is highlighted by the ongoing volatility of the region's fault lines, including a magnitude 4.6 earthquake that occurred in the Aegean Sea [2].
The urgency of these warnings is underscored by the scale of recent tragedies. The February 2023 Kahramanmaraş-Hatay earthquake resulted in more than 50,000 deaths [4]. Görür said the current lack of preparation in the Marmara region poses a significant threat to millions of residents.
To address these hazards, the seven-point plan focuses on rapid infrastructure assessment and the implementation of strict safety protocols for residential buildings [1]. Görür said the window for preventative action is closing as seismic tension continues to build in the crust.
“Prof. Dr. Naci Görür warned of a possible magnitude 7.5 earthquake”
The warnings from Prof. Dr. Naci Görür highlight a persistent gap between seismic knowledge and urban policy in Turkey. By anchoring the warning to the anniversary of the 1999 disaster and the deaths from the 2023 quake, the discourse shifts from theoretical risk to an urgent public health and safety crisis. The focus on a specific 'prescription' suggests that the scientific community is now providing actionable policy frameworks rather than just predictions.
