Adana's Earthquake Risk: Four Districts Under Threat as Experts Analyze Seismic Vulnerability

Adana, one of the 11 provinces affected by the February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, recorded 11 building collapses and 418 deaths. The city also saw 3,279 buildings sustain severe damage. Amidst the ongoing risk of seismic activity, Dr. Mehmet Tatar, head of the Adana branch of the Chamber of Geological Engineers, emphasized the city's vulnerability.

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We live in an earthquake region. There have been earthquakes in the past, there are them today, and there will be them in the future.

Tatar highlighted that South Adana, encompassing Seyhan, Yüreğir, and parts of Sarıçam, is at higher risk due to its alluvial soil, which is prone to liquefaction. In contrast, North Adana offers more stable ground. He noted that while major earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher are not anticipated for Adana, the region is situated in an active seismic zone.

"We live in an earthquake region. There have been earthquakes in the past, there are them today, and there will be them in the future," Tatar stated. He pointed out active faults in Karataş and Yumurtalık, as well as smaller fault lines in Karaisalı, Feke, and Tufanbeyli. Ceyhan is also situated on risky ground. The dormant Ecemiş Fault, running from Kamışlı Valley to the sea through Pozantı, could potentially generate earthquakes if activated, though not expected to be above magnitude 7.

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We cannot prevent earthquakes, but we can prevent loss of life by choosing stable ground and robust buildings.

Tatar stressed the urgent need to reinforce existing structures. "If your building has a risk of collapsing in a magnitude 6 earthquake, you should not live in it because that building is not resistant to a moderate earthquake," he warned. He attributed the collapses seen in Adana during such quakes to buildings not being constructed soundly and not adhering to earthquake regulations. "We cannot prevent earthquakes, but we can prevent loss of life by choosing stable ground and robust buildings," Tatar concluded.

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If your building has a risk of collapsing in a magnitude 6 earthquake, you should not live in it because that building is not resistant to a moderate earthquake.