Expert Warns: Istanbul Faces Looming 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake

Professor Euthymios Lekkas, a renowned expert in Tectonics and Applied Geology, has issued a stark warning about an impending catastrophic earthquake of magnitude 7.8 on the Richter scale expected to hit Istanbul within the next two years. Speaking on ERT’s ‘Studio 4’ program, Professor Lekkas emphasized that this seismic event could devastate approximately one-third of the city’s buildings. The international scientific community anticipates severe consequences for older constructions and newer buildings not meeting safety standards. With over 17 million people concentrated in a confined area, human exposure adds another layer of concern. Lekkas explained that the unbroken segment of the North Anatolian Fault beneath Istanbul is accumulating energy and will inevitably rupture. He stressed the need for analysis once the quake occurs to assess potential impacts on Greece.