Prof. Dr. Cavit Atalar, Head of the Earthquake and Soil Research and Evaluation Center of Near East University, drew attention to the current earthquake risk in Cyprus on the anniversary of the February 6th Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.
The earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023, centered in Kahramanmaraş, and caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people, remain in memory as a major disaster that transcended borders. This devastation, affecting a wide geography, primarily Turkey, became a shared mourning for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The loss of 49 people, including the “Champion Angels,” in the earthquakes once again revealed the geographically inclusive impact of the earthquake and the shared nature of the pain.
The February 6th Earthquakes Were Also Felt Strongly in Cyprus
Prof. Dr. Cavit Atalar, Head of the Presidency of the TRNC Earthquake Committee, Member of the Bi-Regional Earthquake Committee, and Head of the Earthquake and Soil Research and Evaluation Center of Near East University, reminded that the February 6th earthquakes were strongly felt in some areas of Cyprus, and that a wall collapsed in Nicosia. He stated that this clearly demonstrates that the earthquake risk in Cyprus is not merely a theoretical possibility, emphasizing that the island must confront the reality of earthquakes.
Prof. Dr. Cavit Atalar noted that although Cyprus rarely experiences major earthquakes, it is constantly in a state of seismic activity due to the active fault systems surrounding it. Located in the Eastern Mediterranean, the island lies within the interaction zone of the Anatolian, African, and Arabian plates. This geodynamic structure reveals that while destructive earthquakes occur at long intervals, the risk never disappears.
Earthquake Continuity is Evidenced by Scientific Data
Prof. Dr. Atalar stated that the most frequently asked question in society is “When will the earthquake happen?”, adding that this question is based on a false assumption. Emphasizing that earthquakes occur daily in Cyprus, Atalar stated that an average of 500 to 600 quakes are recorded annually, with some years exceeding 1000 and reaching up to 1200 after major earthquakes. He noted that the high number of earthquakes recorded around Cyprus following the February 6th earthquakes indicates the need for careful monitoring of regional fault interactions.
Not Earthquakes, but Unsafe Structures Cause Loss of Life
Prof. Dr. Cavit Atalar stressed that the destructive effect of earthquakes is not limited to magnitude alone, highlighting that building quality is a crucial factor. He stated that an earthquake of the same magnitude can produce very different results in different regions, and that structures built without proper engineering services, the old building stock, and construction without considering soil characteristics pose serious risks.
Prof. Dr. Cavit Atalar emphasized that while earthquakes cannot be prevented, their effects can be mitigated, and that, based on scientific data, earthquake-resistant structures are of vital importance. Stating that building inspections, soil surveys, and urban transformation should be addressed with a holistic approach, Atalar emphasized that if institutions and society act together, the earthquake risk and potential loss of life in Cyprus can be significantly reduced.
Historical Earthquakes Show Risk
Prof. Dr. Cavit Atalar stated that Cyprus’s earthquake history dates back approximately 8,000 years, reminding that important settlements such as Enkomi, Kitium, Salamis, Paphos, and Kurion have faced devastating earthquakes in different periods throughout history. Stating that the first instrumentally recorded earthquake occurred in 1894, Atalar said that historical and scientific records clearly show that Cyprus is located in an active earthquake zone.
Prof. Dr. Atalar noted that one of the earthquakes that caused the most loss of life and property in Cyprus’s recent history was the double earthquake that occurred on September 10, 1953. Atalar stated that 40 people lost their lives in these earthquakes, 100 were injured, and numerous settlements, particularly Paphos, were damaged. He added that according to instrumental measurements, the largest earthquake recorded in Cyprus was a magnitude 6.8 earthquake on October 9, 1996, and the second largest occurred offshore on January 11, 2022.