On July 5th, a 3.8 magnitude earthquake shook the Sea of Marmara near the coast of Silivri, close to Istanbul. The epicenter was located 36 kilometers south of Silivri and 47 kilometers southwest of the Büyükkçekmece district, at a depth of 12 kilometers, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). So far, there are no reports of casualties or material damage. But wait, this isn’t the only seismic drama in the region lately. Just six days later, on July 11th, a stronger 4.9 magnitude quake rattled the Ionian Sea near the Greek island of Zakynthos, at a depth of 14 kilometers. The epicenter was 68 kilometers south-southwest of Zakynthos, and again, no damage or injuries have been reported. These tremors highlight just how seismically active this part of Europe really is. Istanbul, one of the world’s largest cities, sits right on a seismic hotspot, raising serious concerns about the potential impact of bigger quakes. Are the authorities and citizens truly prepared? Are the safety measures and prevention plans up to scratch? These questions remain unanswered as the ground keeps shaking. Think this is just another minor quake? Think again — nature doesn’t send warnings, it acts. And us? We pretend nothing’s happening. Jump into the conversation — are you ready if the earth shakes again? Share your thoughts, because the earth isn’t waiting!
