Turkish Seismologist Warns of Potential Disaster; Losses Could Reach $325 Billion
Turkish seismologist Naci Görür has warned of a potential destructive earthquake in Istanbul, emphasizing that the current lull in seismic activity does not indicate the absence of risk.
Görür noted that most regions of Turkey are exposed to seismic activity, and any strong tremor could be catastrophic. He urged authorities not to ignore ongoing warnings.
He stressed the importance of focusing discussions on protecting residents from human losses through earthquake-resistant infrastructure, rather than predicting the timing or location of the next quake. Görür called for strengthening management systems, raising public awareness, renewing housing stock, and creating “earthquake-resistant cities” as part of a comprehensive approach that also includes environmental protection and economic resilience.
According to Istanbul Municipality estimates, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake could collapse around 90,000 buildings and leave approximately 4.5 million people in need of temporary shelter. Insurance companies estimate that losses from such an earthquake could exceed $325 billion, highlighting the importance of preventive planning and cooperation between government and civil society.
Also Read:
Strong Earthquake Hits Western Turkey with a Magnitude of 6.1 – October 27
