A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Oaxaca coast of Mexico, while tremors of 6.1 magnitude in Turkey's Balıkesir province resulted in one death and several injuries. Both regions are prone to earthquakes, with plate tectonics being the primary cause.
Earthquake Update: On Sunday, August 10th, the earth once again demonstrated its power. Mexico and Turkey – two countries on different continents – were shaken by b earthquakes almost on the same day. While fear and panic prevailed in both locations, Mexico did not suffer major loss of life or property, but the situation in Turkey was somewhat more serious.
5.7 Magnitude Earthquake in Mexico
A 5.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded near the Oaxaca coast in southern Mexico on Sunday. According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the epicenter of the earthquake was approximately 10 kilometers below sea level. The impact of the earthquake was felt in Chiapas and surrounding coastal areas. According to local media reports, many people left their homes and buildings and took to the streets. Power supply was briefly disrupted in some areas, but fortunately, there were no reports of major damage or casualties.
Impact of the 'Ring of Fire'
Mexico is considered to be one of the most earthquake-prone countries. The main reason for this is its geographical location. The country is located in the 'Ring of Fire' area of the Pacific Ocean, where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common.
The 'Ring of Fire' is the region that surrounds the Pacific Ocean and where several tectonic plates – such as the Pacific Plate, the North American Plate, and the Rivera Plate – collide and slide against each other. This continuous movement of plates causes a build-up of energy, which is released from time to time in the form of earthquakes.
Tremors Felt Last Month Too
This is not the first time that Mexico has been shaken by earthquakes this year. On July 19th, an earthquake of 4.4 magnitude was recorded in the Chiapas area, while on July 20th, tremors of 4.2 magnitude frightened people. The earth shook several times that day, causing people to remain alert throughout the night.
6.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Turkey, One Death
Thousands of kilometers away from Mexico, in Turkey, located on the border of Europe and Asia, the earth also gave a b jolt on Sunday. A 6.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the north-western province of Balıkesir.
According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of Turkey (AFAD), the epicenter of the earthquake was in the Sındırgı district and it occurred at 7:53 PM. The tremors were so b that several old buildings were razed to the ground. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that an 81-year-old man died after being rescued. In addition, several people were injured, and more than 15 buildings were reported to have collapsed.
Geographical Sensitivity of Both Countries
Both Mexico and Turkey are considered to be earthquake-sensitive countries, but the reasons for this are different. While Mexico is earthquake-prone due to the 'Ring of Fire', Turkey is located at the junction of the Eurasian and Arabian tectonic plates. The movement of plates here often gives rise to devastating earthquakes.
Challenges in Dealing with Earthquakes
Experts believe that the most effective way to avoid earthquakes is to build b and resilient infrastructure. Construction standards in major cities such as Mexico City and Istanbul are being worked on to make buildings earthquake-resistant, but there are still many old structures in rural areas and small towns that can collapse even in light tremors. At the same time, it is also important to increase public awareness of measures to stay safe during an earthquake, such as going to an open space, staying away from power poles and old trees, and taking shelter under sturdy furniture.
Threat to Neighboring Countries Too
The recent earthquakes in Mexico and Turkey have served as a reminder that this threat is not limited to these countries alone. India, Nepal, Pakistan, and China are also located in areas where there is always a possibility of major earthquakes due to the movement of tectonic plates. In past years, these countries have also faced earthquakes several times, resulting in the death of thousands of people and billions of dollars in damage.
