The 5.4 magnitude earthquake in Şanlıurfa was considered as a triggered earthquake

Dokuz Eylül University (DEU) Earthquake Research and Application Center Director and AFAD Scientific Board Member Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir evaluated the 5.4 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Karaköprü district of Şanlıurfa.

Sözbilir stated that the epicenter of the earthquake was located at the eastern end of the Bozova Fault and said that the earthquake may be related to the stress accumulated in the region after the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

“WE CAN ACCEPT IT AS A TRIGGED EARTHQUAKE”

Sözbilir said, "We can consider it as one of the places where stress accumulated after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes of February 6, 2023. In this context, we can accept the Şanlıurfa earthquake as a triggered earthquake."

Stating that the Bozova Fault is defined as a 55-kilometer-long right-lateral strike-slip active fault in the Turkey Active Fault Map updated in 2026, Sözbilir said, "Therefore, this earthquake is not a surprise."

“IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE EARTHQUAKES UP TO MAGNET 7”

Noting that the Bozova Fault has been silent for a long time, Sözbilir made the following assessment:

“The information we have is that the Bozova Fault has the potential to produce earthquakes of up to magnitude 7 and that it has been a silent fault for a long time.”

Sözbilir stated that the focal mechanism solutions made by AFAD showed that the earthquake was related to right-lateral strike-slip faulting.

ATTENTION WARNING FOR ATATURK DAM

Emphasizing that the actions determined within the scope of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Plans in the region should be implemented as soon as possible, Sözbilir noted that there were previously different opinions in the scientific world regarding the nature of the Bozova Fault.