Professor Euthymios Lekkas, an expert in Applied Geology, in an interview with state broadcaster ERT, warned that the longer a delay of seismic activity in Greece, the higher the likelihood it would be large, in the wake of recent earthquakes in neighboring Turkey.
In light of recent earthquakes in Turkey and China, along with the volcanic eruption in Iceland Lekkas shared insights into the intense geological phenomena unfolding worldwide.
According to Professor Euthymios Lekkas, the longer the delay in the occurrence of a phenomenon, the larger the anticipated magnitude, as tensions accumulate in geological formations.
“There is indeed a barrage of phenomena across the globe,” noted Mr. Lekkas, highlighting a recent earthquake measuring 4 on the Richter scale in Istanbul, emphasizing its significance as it occurred along the Constantinople fault.
Lekkas warned that the earthquake along the Istanbul (Constantinople) fault had to be closely monitored as it came after another tremor in an adjacent fault just ten days earlier.
As he explained, the 4.1 magnitude earthquake manifested directly along the Istanbul fault, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring due to its geological implications. He reiterated that any potential seismic activity in the region could pose challenges, including potential impacts on the Hagia Sophia, as he had previously suggested.
Addressing the potential effects on Greece, Mr. Lekkas affirmed that the Anatolian fault has a direction toward Greece. He referenced the seismic events in 1999, including the Athens earthquake following the significant Smyrna earthquake on August 17.
He cautioned that every seismic activity on the Anatolian fault does not necessarily predict or necessitate seismic activity in the Greek region. “We first need to observe the earthquake in Istanbul and then, based on dynamic and geometric characteristics, assess its potential impact on the Greek region,” he added.
