Dilek Bozkurt /HALKWEB Speaking on the anniversary of the Gediz earthquake, Prof. Dr. Şener Üşümezsoy pointed out that the Simav fault has not fully released its stress and emphasized that a great risk awaits the region if the 25-30 kilometer fault line breaks in one piece.
Prof. Dr. Şener Üşümezsoy, known for his earthquake predictions, made striking statements about the tectonic structure of the region at a conference in Kütahya. Üşümezsoy's analysis, which focuses especially on the mobility in Simav, Gediz and Sındırgı line, concentrates on the following points:
Risk Continues in Simav:
Stating that the 5.9 earthquake that occurred in 2011 did not completely exhaust the energy, Üşümezsoy stated that the fault, which is about 30 km long, could produce a 6.5 magnitude tremor if it breaks at once. ’Piano Key” Analysis; The expert, who likened the earthquake activity in the region to piano keys, said that the main risky line is the Simav-Sındırgı-Gediz axis, while the center of Kütahya is in a safer position compared to this line.
Hot Water and Earthquake Storm:
Describing the frequent tremors in the Emet and Yeşildere regions as “earthquake storms”, Üşümezsoy added that hot water resources affect this process, but that small ruptures are expected here rather than a major earthquake.
Historical Note: On March 28, 1970, 1,086 people lost their lives in a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Gediz, and this tragic event caused the district to be relocated.