Multiple Earthquakes Shake Bingöl, Turkey — Experts Sound the Alarm

Prof. Naci Görür calls it “concerning,” while Prof. Süleyman Pampal warns the fault line “is about to rupture.” Seismic risk in eastern Turkey once again under spotlight.

A series of moderate earthquakes struck Bingöl Province in eastern Turkey on Sunday, with tremors felt across nearby regions. The events have prompted leading earthquake experts to raise concerns about an impending major quake on one of Turkey’s most dangerous fault segments.

Initial Quake Followed by Aftershocks

According to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the first quake struck at 12:26 p.m., measuring magnitude 4.4 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was located near Özlüce Dam, with a depth of 7.02 km.

Kandilli Observatory later revised the magnitude to 4.5.

Just under 30 minutes later, a second quake of 3.6 magnitude occurred at 12:55 p.m., at a depth of 11.13 km, followed by a third quake measuring 3.3 at 1:39 p.m., this time near Kiğı, according to Kandilli.

Prof. Süleyman Pampal: “The Fault Is About to Rupture”

In a live broadcast on CNN Türk, seismologist Prof. Dr. Süleyman Pampal described Bingöl as “the most critical earthquake zone in Turkey”, warning of an imminent major quake on the Yedisu Fault, a segment of the North Anatolian Fault Zone.

“This region sits at the intersection of two massive tectonic plates — the East and North Anatolian fault lines. It is among the most dangerous places in Turkey.”

Pampal pointed to a long seismic gap on the Yedisu segment, which last ruptured in 1784 and typically breaks roughly every 250 years, producing quakes around magnitude 7.5.

“That time window has already passed. We, the scientific community, have long warned: the Yedisu fault is due to rupture — and soon.”

He noted past disasters in the region, including:

• 1939 Erzincan Earthquake (M 7.9): ~40,000 dead

• 1992 Erzincan Earthquake (M 6.8): 500+ fatalities

• 1966 Varto Earthquake (M 6.8): ~2,000 dead

• 1971 Bingöl Earthquake (M 6.8) and several others since

“This is no longer a matter of ‘if’ — but when a devastating quake will strike. And that moment is likely very near.”

Naci Görür: “Concerning Due to Fault Interaction”

Renowned Turkish earthquake scientist Prof. Dr. Naci Görür also weighed in via his social media account, calling the event “concerning” given its location and implications.

“A magnitude 4.5 earthquake occurred near Dallıca-Kiğı in Bingöl. Previously, a 4.4 tremor hit the same area. These occurred on a small, unnamed fault segment similar in nature to the Yedisu Fault. Its location is worrisome.”

Görür warned that such events could alter the stress levels along surrounding fault lines, increasing the risk of future earthquakes.

“Let’s hope this does not trigger stress transfer to more dangerous faults nearby.”

The Structural Time Bomb of Eastern Turkey

Both Pampal and Görür emphasized the tectonic significance of Bingöl, located precisely at the junction of Turkey’s two largest fault systems. This makes the region uniquely vulnerable to high-magnitude earthquakes.

Pampal underscored:

“This is one of the very few places in the world where two plate-boundary faults intersect. After the devastating February 6, 2023 quakes, this region also accumulated additional tectonic stress.”

He added that while seismic activity in Turkey has generally stabilized in 2024, Bingöl remains an anomaly due to increasing tremor frequency — a signal that should not be ignored.

“There is no square centimeter in Turkey that’s earthquake-proof. But this region, in particular, needs urgent risk mitigation.”

“We Must Focus on Risk, Not Just Danger”

Pampal concluded with a call for risk-based policy, not just hazard awareness:

“Turkey doesn’t need more warnings — it needs resilient structures. We can’t stop earthquakes, but we can prevent tragedy.”

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: PA Turkey intends to inform Turkey watchers with diverse views and opinions. Articles in our website may not necessarily represent the view of our editorial board or count as endorsement.

Source: Hurriyet Daily

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