Turkish seismologist Naci Güror has urged the country's authorities not to ignore the persistent threat of earthquakes, repeatedly warning of the possibility of a devastating earthquake in Istanbul. The scientist emphasized that the relative lull in seismic activity should not create a false sense of security. He stated that every new tragedy becomes an 'unforgivable oversight.' Güror pointed out that this involves a comprehensive approach: enhancing management systems, raising public awareness, modernizing infrastructure, renewing housing stock, protecting the environment, and boosting economic resilience. According to estimates by the Istanbul municipality, in the event of a 7.5-magnitude earthquake, at least 90,000 buildings in the city could collapse, and approximately 4.5 million people might need temporary shelter. 'It is precisely during such periods that preventive measures must be intensified,' the professor noted. He also explained that most regions of the country are exposed to seismic activity, and the consequences of a strong tremor could be catastrophic. Güror called for an end to debates about where and when the next earthquake will occur, arguing that the question should be framed differently: how to prevent human casualties through pre-prepared infrastructure. In addition, the scientist proposed creating 'earthquake-resistant cities.' Earlier, Turkish authorities described the two earthquakes as the 'disaster of the century,' killing over 53,000 people and injuring more than 107,000. On October 27 of this year, scientists from the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) reported that the earthquake, whose epicenter was in Balıkesir province in western Turkey, had a magnitude of 6.1, and its tremors were felt by residents of several provinces, including Istanbul. Insurance companies believe that the losses from such an earthquake could exceed $325 billion. On February 6, 2023, two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.7 and 7.6 struck Turkey's southeastern Kahramanmaraş province, nine hours apart.
