Experts Warn: Earthquake Swarm Shifting Toward Kütahya After 5.0 Quake

Following the magnitude 5.0 earthquake recorded yesterday in Kütahya, experts have warned that seismic activity in the region is increasing and urged residents to remain cautious. Geologist Prof. Dr. Osman Bektaş stated that the Naşa earthquake cluster — a series of small and moderate quakes — is now moving in the direction of Kütahya.

Bektaş shared his assessment on social media, noting a clear progression of seismic energy toward the city.

“After the 4.1 magnitude quake that occurred four days ago, seismicity has continued to expand northeastward toward Kütahya–Tavşanlı, now reaching 4.9 magnitude,” he wrote.

His remarks come amid rising public concern over whether the current tremor sequence could be a precursor to a larger quake in the region.

Sındırgı Quake May Have Triggered Regional Faults

According to Bektaş, the recent 6.1 magnitude Sındırgı earthquake may have activated hot-water valves within surrounding fault systems — a phenomenon known to increase crustal stress and seismic mobility.

He explained that in the Aegean Region, the Simav and Gediz Faults define what seismologists call the Uşak Block — an area that has historically produced macro earthquake clusters between 1969 and 2025.

“The same pattern of clustered seismicity is now shifting toward Kütahya,” Bektaş cautioned, describing the situation as a regional ‘earthquake storm’ that demands close monitoring.

Kütahya Under Growing Seismic Stress

Kütahya lies near the Simav-Gediz fault zone, one of the most active seismic belts in western Turkey. Experts warn that the accumulated stress transfer from recent earthquakes could increase the likelihood of moderate tremors in the coming days.

While there is no indication of an imminent major earthquake, specialists emphasize that the region is experiencing a clear pattern of energy migration, which should not be ignored.

Local authorities have advised residents to inspect building safety, review emergency plans, and avoid panic, stressing the importance of preparedness rather than speculation.

Historical Context: Decades of Fault Activity

The Uşak–Simav–Kütahya fault corridor has a long seismic history, with significant earthquakes recorded in 1969, 1970, 2011, and now 2025. These events often occur in clusters, reflecting the complex fault interactions of the Western Anatolian extensional system, where the crust is slowly stretching due to regional tectonic forces.

Experts note that Kütahya’s geological position — caught between the Gediz Graben to the south and the Simav Fault Zone to the north — makes it particularly sensitive to stress shifts within the Aegean crust.

‘Be Alert, Not Alarmed’

Bektaş concluded his warning by calling for scientific monitoring and public awareness, rather than fear.

“What we are observing is part of a natural seismic cycle,” he said. “However, citizens must stay informed, avoid unsafe structures, and follow official updates closely.”

As seismic sensors continue to register frequent low-intensity tremors across the region, experts agree on one thing: Kütahya’s earthquake risk is real — but manageable with vigilance and preparedness.