Aftershocks as strong as Turkey,s 7.5 tremor are rare. Smaller shakes could still come.
The powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck eastern Turkey on Friday was followed by a series of smaller aftershocks, some as strong as 6.3 in magnitude. The initial quake and its aftershocks have killed at least 24 people and injured more than 1,200.
Experts say that aftershocks of similar strength to the initial quake are rare. However, smaller aftershocks are still possible and could cause further damage.
“In general, the larger the magnitude of the main shock, the larger the magnitude of the aftershocks,” said Lucy Jones, a seismologist at the California Institute of Technology.
Jones added that aftershocks tend to be smaller than the initial earthquake but can still cause significant damage. “We can expect aftershocks, potentially in the magnitude 5 range,” she said.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said aftershocks usually occur in clusters over a period of days or weeks following the main shock.
“The aftershocks of the magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Turkey are expected to decrease in frequency and magnitude over time,” the USGS said in a statement.
The USGS issued an aftershock alert after the main shock, warning of potential aftershocks of up to magnitude 6.3.
The powerful earthquake that struck Turkey on Friday was the result of a rupture in the Eastern Anatolian Fault and was felt across the region, including in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The aftershocks, while not as strong as the initial quake, are still a cause for concern for those living in the region. Jones said it is important for people to be aware of the possibility of aftershocks, even as the magnitude of the initial quake decreases.
“The aftershocks are a reminder of the danger of earthquakes and a reminder that we need to be prepared,” she said.
Residents of eastern Turkey have been warned to remain vigilant in the days and weeks ahead, as smaller aftershocks could still occur and cause further damage. While aftershocks of similar strength to the initial 7.5 magnitude quake in Turkey are rare, smaller aftershocks could still come. It is important for people in the region to stay prepared and be aware of the potential for further aftershocks.
