Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu emphasized the necessity of preparing for a potential earthquake in Istanbul, stating that the issue of the earthquake in Istanbul is a vital matter. The mayor said, "The painful memory of last year's earthquake in the southeast of the country makes it imperative to be ready for the potential earthquake in Istanbul." İmamoğlu noted that the first anniversary of the earthquake on February 6, 2023, is approaching, and he stated, "In that earthquake, thousands of people lost their lives while sleeping peacefully in their homes."
He added, "We buried many children, women, young people, and the elderly together, and the pain in that region persists. Millions of Turkish citizens are facing deep issues that need solutions." He stated, "The issue of the earthquake in Istanbul is a vital matter because, just like the earthquake we witnessed in the east and southeast, the earthquake here is waiting at our door as a significant threat."
It is worth noting that Turkish geophysicist Professor Ufuk Ahmet Ergan predicted earlier this year that a strong earthquake would occur in the country before spring, but he found it difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the tremors. He added, "The emerging picture shows this possibility. It indicates that tension is particularly increasing in Anatolia."
