Major Earthquakes in the Aegean Sea Throughout History
The Aegean Sea is a very active region in terms of tectonics. Earthquakes in this region have had a great impact both in historical records and today. The Aegean Sea is remembered not only for its natural beauty but also for the disasters that have occurred throughout history. In particular, the Amorgos Earthquake in 1956 reveals how serious the seismic activity in the region is.
1956 Amorgos Earthquake: The Biggest Tremor in History
This earthquake, which occurred off the coast of Amorgos Island, Greece, on July 9, 1956, had a magnitude of 7.7 and was recorded at a depth of approximately 30 km. This earthquake was one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded in the Aegean Sea, and caused numerous casualties and property damage.
Earthquake Effects and Damages
The Amorgos Earthquake was felt not only in Greece but also on the western coasts of Turkey. People in places like Izmir, Cesme and Bodrum experienced great panic. The sudden rise in water levels in coastal areas reveals the effects of a tsunami. This situation caused serious fear and panic among the people.
- Death Toll: 53 people
- Number of Injured: Hundreds of people
- Number of Houses Demolished: 529 ev
- Number of Homes Severely Damaged: 1482 ev
- Number of Homes Slightly Damaged: 1750 ev
Tsunami Waves and the Destruction That Occurs
The tsunami waves that occurred on the southern coast of Amorgos reached up to 30 meters. This value was one of the highest values recorded in the Mediterranean Basin in the 20th century. The tsunami caused a large internal migration of the population of Santorini, especially to Athens. Apart from Santorini, the islands of Anafi, Astypalea, Ios, Paros, Naxos, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos and Lipsi were also heavily damaged, along with Amorgos, which was the epicenter of the earthquake.
Impacts and Reactions on Türkiye
The powerful tremors experienced on the Western Anatolian coast caused great panic among the public. Since scientific earthquake monitoring technologies were limited in Turkey at that time, the tsunami effect could not be fully recorded. However, the events experienced by the people in the region show that the tsunami waves reached the shores. This situation revealed how vulnerable the coastal settlements in the region were.
In Conclusion, the Aegean Sea and Seismic Activity
The Aegean Sea is an important region with both its natural beauty and the disasters it has experienced in the historical process. The 1956 Amorgos Earthquake is just one of the major earthquakes that have occurred in the Aegean Sea, and this event highlights the seriousness of the seismic activity in the region. Better preparation and precautions against earthquakes in the future are of vital importance for the people in the region. In order to minimize the effects of such natural disasters, scientific studies and public awareness should be increased.
