Warning from Geologist Naci Görür for floods and earthquake in Marmara Region

Following heavy rainfall in various regions of Turkey, consecutive floods have occurred. Geologist Prof. Dr. Naci Görür, who issued warnings after the disasters, drew attention to the floods, stating “it was apparent they were coming”.

Geologist Prof. Dr. Naci Görür spoke about the recent flood disasters and issued a warning, saying, “Today’s flood area could be tomorrow’s earthquake zone.”

Görür stated, “Today’s flood area is tomorrow’s earthquake zone. Let’s try to turn these areas into disaster-resistant places right now.” He pointed out that the floods were predictable and shared following:

IF YOU FILL OR OPEN STREAMS JUST FOR PROFIT SOONER OR LATER YOU WILL FACE SUCH DISASTERS

“In Kırklareli, Başakşehir, and around Büyük and Küçük Çekmece Lakes, there were severe floods. Yes, floods happen from time to time in many places, but here, they’re saying, ‘We are coming’ In the European side, including the Golden Horn, Büyük and Küçük Çekmece Lakes are formed at the mouths of the Marmara in the northwest direction of the main river valleys. Actually, these are lagoons, not lakes. In other words, they are the main valley sections flooded by the sea. Around these lagoons, there are numerous river branches. These branches resist this section of Thrace, collecting the falling rains and flowing waters in the main valleys and bringing them to the Marmara. If you fill or open some streams just for the sake of profit, without knowing, sooner or later you will face these disasters. Nature has been using the drainage system for thousands of years. If you don’t see water in a stream and its surroundings for 40-50 years, you can’t say, ‘It’s dried up, water won’t come.’ Just like you can’t say there won’t be an earthquake in a place that hasn’t seen an earthquake for 3-5 generations.

LET US TRY TO TURN THESE AREAS INTO DISASTER-RESISTANT PLACES RIGHT NOW

I appeal especially to the authorities: entrust the development of cities to the safe hands of science. Today’s flood area is tomorrow’s earthquake zone. Let’s try to turn these areas into disaster-resistant places right now.”