Well, you should. Turkey sits on various fault lines that run west to east and north to south of the country. However, that doesn’t mean you should be worried. Large cities, such as Istanbul, are going through a re-planning phase in order to update their buildings to comply with new earthquake codes and regulations. Additionally, there haven’t been any recent earthquakes in popular coastal areas such as Izmir, Ephesus, Bodrum, and Pamukkale.
In Cappadocia, there aren’t any earthquakes at all. Therefore, even though you shouldn’t cancel your trip, you should definitely read the rest of this article. Just to be prepared.
Turkey, a land of rich history and breathtaking landscapes, sits at the crossroads of tectonic plates, making it prone to earthquakes. While the thought of tremors might seem unsettling, understanding the frequency and intensity of these events can help you prepare and stay informed.
Earthquakes in Turkey: A Land of Seismic Activity
Turkey’s location on the Anatolian Plate, nestled between the Eurasian and African plates, makes it a seismically active region. The country experiences numerous earthquakes every year, ranging from minor tremors to devastating quakes. In 2022 alone, over 20,000 earthquakes were recorded, with varying magnitudes.
Understanding Earthquake Magnitudes
The Richter scale, a numerical scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes, provides valuable insights into the intensity of these events Earthquakes with magnitudes below 20 are considered microquakes and are often imperceptible to humans. Tremors between 2.5 and 5.4 are classified as minor and usually cause minimal damage. Earthquakes exceeding 5.5 can cause significant damage, depending on the location and depth of the epicenter.
The Most Recent Earthquake in Turkey
On April 18th, 2024, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 struck Turhal, Tokat, causing widespread damage and tremors throughout the region This event serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness and safety measures.
Staying Safe During Earthquakes in Turkey
If you find yourself in Turkey during an earthquake, it’s crucial to remain calm and follow these safety guidelines:
- Take cover: Seek shelter under sturdy furniture or stand against an interior wall. Avoid windows, heavy objects, and hanging fixtures.
- Stay away from buildings, trees, and power lines: These structures can collapse or fall during tremors, posing a significant threat.
- Pull over if you’re driving: Find a clear area away from buildings and trees to stop your vehicle. Stay inside the car until the earthquake subsides.
- Avoid lighting matches or flames: Broken gas lines are a potential hazard during earthquakes, so refrain from using any open flames.
Should You Be Worried About Earthquakes in Turkey?
While earthquakes are a reality in Turkey, most tremors are minor and rarely cause significant damage. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions.
Planning Your Trip to Turkey: Earthquakes and Beyond
Turkey offers a wealth of cultural and historical treasures, from ancient ruins to bustling cities. While earthquakes are a consideration, they shouldn’t deter you from experiencing the wonders of this captivating country.
Additional Resources for Earthquake Information in Turkey
- Turkish Disaster & Emergency Management Authority (AFAD): https://www.afad.gov.tr/
- United States Geological Survey (USGS): https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/
- WorldData.info: https://www.worlddata.info/asia/turkey/earthquakes.php
Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon in Turkey, but with proper knowledge and preparedness, you can minimize risks and enjoy your travels safely. By staying informed, following safety guidelines, and embracing the country’s rich culture, you can create a memorable and enriching experience in Turkey.
A Timeline of Major Earthquakes in Turkey
Here is a brief timeline of the worst earthquakes in history to help you better understand the ones that occurred in Turkey:
- December 26, 1939: An earthquake with a magnitude of 7. 2 kills 32. 700 people in the city of Erzincan.
- December 20, 1942: A 7. The Erbaa-Niksar region is struck by a 3.0 magnitude earthquake that destroys about 5,000 buildings and kills 1,100 people.
- November 26, 1943: A 7-day bombing strikes the Ladik-Vezirkopru area. 6 magnitude earthquake that destroyed up to 75% of the housing and claimed 4000 lives.
- February 1, 1944: A 7. 2790 people are killed by a 4 magnitude earthquake that strikes the North Anatolian Fault Zone (from Bolu to Kersnu). At least 50. 000 homes were destroyed.
- May 31, 1946: An earthquake of 5. 9 magnitude kills 1300 people in Ustruken.
- March 18, 1953: The Can-Yenice-Gonen area experiences a 7. 3 magnitude earthquake, killing roughly 1070 people. The quake was felt throughout the Aegean islands and Greece.
- August 19, 1966: 2529 people die during a 6. 8 magnitude earthquake in the southeastern town of Varto.
- March 28, 1970: A six-inch bomb strikes the western town of Gediz. 9 magnitude earthquake. 1086 people were killed, and 3000 were injured.
- May 22, 1971: South of Ankara, a 6. 9 magnitude earthquake hits, nearly eradicating the city of Bingol. Over a thousand people lost their lives, and over 15. 000 people lost their homes.
- September 6, 1975: A 6-story building in Lice tears apart the surrounding villages. 7 magnitude earthquake. About 2350 people were killed, and 3000 were injured.
- November 24, 1976: A 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Van Province claimed 5291 lives. 3. It destroyed hundreds of villages.
- October 30, 1983: Northeast Erzurum is hit by a 6. Up to fifty villages between there and Kars are destroyed after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake. 1340 people lost their lives, and about 530 were injured.
- August 17, 1999: A 7. 6 magnitude earthquake strikes Izmit killing over 17. 000 people and injuring another 50. 000. This earthquake also did damage to Istanbul, Kocaeli, and Sakarya.
- October 23, 2011: A 7-up struck Ercis and Van. 2 magnitude killing over 500 people—with hundreds more missing. It also injured 1650 people.
- February 6, 2023: A powerful 7.6 earthquake struck Southeastern Turkey. 8.0-magnitude earthquake, thought to be the deadliest in the previous century A second 7. 6-magnitude earthquake struck on the same day within 12 hours. The cities most impacted were Kahramanmaras, Hatay, Osmaniye, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Malatya, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, and Adana.
How Often Do Earthquakes Occur in Turkey?
Turkey is prone to earthquakes due to its location on various fault lines. In 2017 alone, Turkey experienced 26,290 earthquakes. Of course, they weren’t all measured at a devastating magnitude, like in the timeline above. A little over 18,000 of those earthquakes only have a magnitude of 2. 0 or lower.
It was, however, the most seismic activity that the country had experienced in 15 years.
Certain regions experienced up to five daily earthquakes— varying sizes. Their magnitude was much higher in the Marmara and Aegean regions, where fault lines are more concentrated.
In relation to magnitude, the Richter scale represents the energy released by an earthquake, and its values indicate this energy. If the magnitude is measured at 2. 0 or less, it’s considered a microquake, which humans cannot feel.
Anything between a 2. 5 and a 5. 4 magnitude is considered a tremor and is often felt and only causes minor damage beyond a 3. 5. However, anything above a 5. 5 will cause minor to severe damages—and felt.
An earthquake’s average length is typically between 10 and 30 seconds. However, the most recent earthquake to hit Turkey was reported to have lasted up to 40 seconds. In light of all of this, it’s reasonable to state that earthquakes occur frequently in Turkey, though they’re not always large.
The Science Behind the Massive Turkey-Syria Earthquakes | WSJ
FAQ
Does earthquakes happen often in Turkey?
When was the last time Turkey had an earthquake?
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Date
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Region
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Depth
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02/06/2023
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Kahramanmaras; Syria
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17 km
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10/30/2020
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Samos; Turkey (Izmir)
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21 km
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06/25/2020
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Van
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10 km
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06/14/2020
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Bingol
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10 km
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How likely is Turkey to have another earthquake?
How often do earthquakes occur in Istanbul?