The President of the Turkish Cypriot ‘Presidential Earthquake Committee,’ Prof. Dr. Cavit Atalar, has issued a stark warning concerning the dangers of building on riverbeds and constructing multi-story buildings on weak soil, emphasizing the significant risks involved.
According to BRT, the Turkish Cypriot broadcasting network, Atalar, speaking on the seismic threats facing Cyprus, highlighted that the region has a history of major earthquakes and remains at risk due to active tectonic movements.
Atalar underlined that much of Cyprus is composed of expansive clay, which swells when wet and shrinks when dry, posing additional challenges for construction.
To ensure modern and safe urban development, he called for micro-zoning studies to assess land suitability before building, BRT reported.
The BRT report added that Atalar said existing buildings should also be inspected, adding that urban planning must consider not only seismic activity but also factors such as topography, climate conditions, groundwater levels, and the quality of building materials.
Cyprus and Earthquakes
Cyprus is situated in a seismically active region due to its location at the boundary between the Anatolian and African tectonic plates. This interaction makes the island susceptible to earthquakes.
Throughout history, Cyprus has experienced numerous significant earthquakes, with major ones recorded in 15 CE, 76 CE, 1222, 1896, 1953, 1999, and 2022.
The most notable earthquake occurred in 1953 in Paphos, with a magnitude of 6.5, causing extensive damage and casualties.
The seismic activity in Cyprus is mainly concentrated in the western part of the island, particularly around the Paphos region. The country’s susceptibility to earthquakes necessitates ongoing preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact of future seismic events.