Turkish geologist criticizes earthquake suitability report for Kahramanmaras

Dr. Naci Gorur, a prominent Turkish geologist and an earthquake expert, publicly criticized the recent findings of an earthquake suitability report for the Kahramanmaras region, which Murat Kurum, the Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change announced. Gorur expressed his concerns via social media, warning that significant portions of the region remain unsuitable for habitation despite government assessments.

Minister Kurum had earlier announced the results of the fault study for the area, stating that they had now “clearly determined the suitability of the region for settlement.”

However, Gorur’s response was sharp. “Forgive me, Minister, but no area from Hatay to Adiyaman is suitable for settlement,” Gorur said in his post. He elaborated that the region lies on a tectonic plate boundary, which has been generating earthquakes for millions of years and will continue to do so for millions more.

“The minister spoke about examining the faults in the Maras region and samples in London, declaring areas suitable for settlement. But I must disagree,” Gorur continued, emphasizing the seismic risks associated with the area. “This zone is represented by the Dead Sea Fault and the Eastern Anatolian Fault, both of which ruptured during the February 6 earthquakes. However, east of this boundary, on the Arabian Plate, there are other faults that have not yet ruptured.”

Gorur further highlighted the potential danger of these unbroken faults, urging the government to proceed with caution. He stressed the need for “special planning, special architecture, advanced construction technology, and specific building materials to reduce the impact of earthquakes.” According to him, the region’s natural seismic conditions require a unique approach to urban development, stating, “You cannot build traditional structures here.”

In a stark warning, Gorur concluded that if appropriate precautions are not taken, “the suffering we endure today will be passed on to future generations.”

The Kahramanmaras region, along with several other areas in southeastern Türkiye, has been under increased scrutiny following devastating earthquakes earlier this year. Experts continue to debate the safety and sustainability of rebuilding efforts in such high-risk seismic zones.