Is Trabzon at Risk of Earthquakes?

Trabzon, a city nestled in the Black Sea region of Turkey, has recently been hit by a series of earthquakes that have raised concerns among residents. The latest updates on the situation come from Prof. Dr. Sayıl, a renowned expert in geophysics, who shared critical insights with an AA correspondent.

The Recent Earthquake Activity

On January 6th, an earthquake with a magnitude of 2.5 struck Trabzon at a depth of 7 kilometers. This was followed by a second earthquake on January 9th, off the coast of Trabzon, with a magnitude of 3.3 at a depth of 9 kilometers. These seismic events were recorded by the earthquake monitoring station at the Karadeniz Technical University’s Department of Geophysical Engineering.

Prof. Dr. Sayıl highlighted that these earthquakes were felt not only in coastal areas but also in other regions. The increasing seismic activity in the Black Sea region has caused significant apprehension among the local population.

Potential Risks and Fault Lines

Dr. Sayıl explained that the fault lines affecting Trabzon and its coastal areas could be linked to the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ), which extends from east to west, and the Karadeniz Fault, running parallel to the coast from the north. The NAFZ, located to the south, is highly active and has the potential to generate earthquakes above magnitude 7. Its closest distance to Trabzon is 100-150 kilometers, making the region vulnerable to intense shaking, especially in areas with weak (loose) soil like the coastal regions.

He further noted that the Karadeniz Fault, though slower in movement, could also pose a threat. The historic 1939 Erzincan earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.9 on the NAFZ, was felt in Trabzon, leading to destruction and casualties.

Assessing the Risk

Despite Trabzon being categorized as having a “low-risk” based on gravity acceleration calculations for earthquakes, Dr. Sayıl cautioned that areas with loose soil and landfills could experience stronger tremors. The rapid urbanization and construction in coastal and alluvial areas have heightened the risks, requiring immediate attention from local authorities.

In light of these developments, Dr. Sayıl emphasized the importance of microzoning studies to identify high-risk areas and buildings. Implementing urban renewal and strengthening measures can help make structures more resilient to earthquakes, ensuring the safety of residents in Trabzon.

As the region grapples with the threat of earthquakes, it is crucial for both officials and residents to prioritize preparedness and mitigation efforts to safeguard lives and property in the face of future seismic events. The recent tremors serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and the need for proactive measures to minimize their impact on vulnerable communities.