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The Sindirgi district of Balikesir has experienced an unprecedented surge in seismic activity over the past three months, with more than 15,000 earthquakes recorded, according to experts.
Associate Professor Bulent Ozmen, a disaster management specialist at Gazi University, stated that this number corresponds to approximately 60% of the total earthquakes recorded across Türkiye in an entire year.
Ozmen highlighted that two major earthquakes, each measuring 6.1 in magnitude, struck the district on Aug. 10 and Oct. 27, triggering numerous aftershocks.
He described the events as both “twin earthquakes” and part of an “earthquake storm,” a term used when several significant quakes occur in rapid succession.
Field studies conducted by the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) and AFAD revealed that the earthquakes were caused by both tectonic movements and magma intrusion-related stress increases, indicating a hybrid seismic process.
The first earthquake caused an estimated 15 km underground fault rupture, followed by a similar rupture during the second earthquake, totaling approximately 30 km of fault displacement. Localized subsidence of 5–10 cm may also have occurred.
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The tremors originated along the Simav Fault Zone, a historically high-risk area capable of producing earthquakes of up to magnitude 7.
Following the events, Sindirgi was declared a “Disaster Zone Affecting General Life,” a measure that enables rapid implementation of rental aid, temporary housing, and reconstruction efforts. Dr. Ozmen emphasized the importance of this decision for effective coordination between the governor’s office, AFAD and relevant ministries.
Experts note that experiencing this level of seismic activity in a single district over such a short period is extremely rare in Türkiye. The hybrid tectonic and magma-related stress makes this earthquake sequence particularly unusual.
The prolonged tremors have also placed residents under significant psychological stress, highlighting the importance of preparedness and adherence to official guidance.
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