Geologist Şener Üşümezsoy: There Will Be No Devastating Earthquakes in Northern Cyprus

Renowned Turkish geologist Professor Şener Üşümezsoy said that he does not expect strong, devastating earthquakes in Northern Cyprus. Speaking live on KIBRIS TV, he noted that earthquakes with a magnitude of around 5 are possible in the region; however, in his view, earthquakes with a magnitude of 8–9 are not expected here.

Üşümezsoy also said that the old faults in the north of Cyprus are no longer active, while the main seismic activity is associated with a fault system south of the island. According to the geologist, after the earthquakes of 6 February 2023, an erroneous theory spread in society that the fault running through Adana could extend to Cyprus and the Beşparmak Mountains. Üşümezsoy considers this model scientifically unfounded.

He noted that an active zone does indeed exist south of Cyprus, but in his assessment it also has no potential for earthquakes of extremely great magnitude. The scientist links this to the slowing of the subduction process in the eastern Mediterranean.

At the same time, Üşümezsoy stressed that the claim that there will be no earthquakes at all in Northern Cyprus is also incorrect. He said that the northern faults are older and less active, while the southern system is younger, although its movement is also limited.

Üşümezsoy urged people not to exaggerate the seismic risks and noted that after the 1999 earthquake in Turkey, predictions were also made of an imminent magnitude 8 earthquake in the Sea of Marmara, which, he said, did not come true.