Şanlıurfa earthquake was a triggered earthquake

Evaluating the Şanlıurfa earthquake within the scope of the stress change in the region following the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, Sözbilir said that the earthquake experienced could be considered a triggered earthquake.

In his special evaluation for Milliyet.com.tr, Sözbilir pointed out that the epicenter of the earthquake was located at the eastern end of the Bozova Fault and stated that in the light of available data, the earthquake could be considered to have originated from the Bozova Fault.

THERE WERE TWO DIFFERENT OPINIONS FOR THE BOZOVA FAULT

Sözbilir also stated that the Bozova Fault has been a subject of debate in the scientific world in the past. Stating that there is an opinion that the fault is not alive, Sözbilir said that the other opinion is that the fault is alive. According to Sözbilir, the earthquake reveals important data that the Bozova Fault is alive.

"IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE EARTHQUAKES UP TO MAGNITUDE 7"

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 pointed out that the fault has been silent for a long time. Sözbilir stated that, in line with current scientific information, the Bozova Fault has the potential to produce earthquakes of up to magnitude 7. For this reason, he stated that the earthquake in Şanlıurfa was not a surprise for the region.

DRAW ATTENTION TO AFAD'S FOCUS MECHANISM SOLUTIONS

Sözbilir said that the focal mechanism solutions made by AFAD revealed that the earthquake was related to right-lateral strike-slip faulting. He stated that these data support the assessment that the earthquake in Şanlıurfa was related to the Bozova Fault or its branches at the eastern end of the fault.

CRITICAL WARNING FOR ATATURK DAM

Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir drew attention to another important point regarding the earthquake-producing potential of the Bozova Fault. Stating that the possible effects on the Atatürk Dam should be investigated if the fault produces a magnitude 7 earthquake, Sözbilir stated that this issue should be addressed separately.

“ACTIONS SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED ASAP”

Sözbilir pointed out the importance of implementing the newly defined actions within the scope of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Plans in the region without losing time. He emphasized that it is vital to accelerate studies to reduce disaster risk, especially in the light of new scientific data on the Bozova Fault.