Underwater cameras captured images of a submerged city in Değirmendere, Turkey, which was flooded by a sea landslide [1].
The footage serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of seismic events and the permanent geographical changes they can cause. By revisiting the site, officials and historians can better understand the mechanics of sea landslides and improve future urban planning in coastal regions.
The images were released Aug. 17 [3], marking the 27th anniversary of the Gölcük earthquake [2]. The report featured disaster-area firefighters who provided context on the event and the evolution of rescue operations since the disaster occurred [1].
According to the report, the city was submerged in 45 seconds [1]. The rapid descent into the sea created a "sunken city" that remains visible through specialized camera equipment. The footage allows viewers to see the remnants of the urban landscape now resting on the seabed.
Firefighters said the nature of their work has changed since the original disaster [1]. The transition from immediate rescue efforts to the long-term documentation of the site highlights the shift in how Turkey manages the legacy of the Gölcük quake.
The Değirmendere site remains a primary example of how land-sea interactions during an earthquake can lead to total loss of infrastructure. The submerged ruins continue to serve as a point of study for those analyzing the stability of coastal soil during high-magnitude tremors [1].
“The city was submerged in 45 seconds.”
The release of this footage on the anniversary of the Gölcük earthquake emphasizes the long-term environmental and structural impact of sea landslides. Because the city vanished in less than a minute, it provides a critical case study for geologists and disaster response teams regarding the speed of coastal subsidence during seismic activity.
