Ekinci Warns of Increased Seismic Activity Along Cyprus Arc

Ekinci highlighted that the recent increase in seismic movements south of the island, particularly along the active fault line known as the Cyprus Arc, should be considered a serious warning. He urged authorities and society to take scientifically grounded, engineering-based precautions without delay.

He pointed out that heavily urbanized areas such as Famagusta, İskele, Lefke, and Nicosia lie within the direct impact zone of this fault line. He also emphasized that a potential earthquake could lead to significant loss of life and property, noting that the Ovgoz Fault, which runs near Nicosia, is still being studied for its potential impacts.

Ekinci called for immediate action in several key areas:

• Strengthening the infrastructure and emergency response capabilities of the Civil Defence Organisation and all affiliated institutions.

• Identifying and reinforcing earthquake-prone buildings—not limited to schools, but including hospitals and public institutions.

• Passing the “Law on the Transformation of Structures at Risk of Disaster” in parliament to initiate a scientific and engineering-based transformation process.

• Ensuring that construction projects and inspections are carried out under the supervision of qualified engineers registered with the KTMMOB Chamber of Civil Engineers.

“Earthquakes are natural events; they become disasters only when scientific warnings, engineering principles, and public awareness are ignored,” said Ekinci, underlining the collective responsibility to develop solutions grounded in scientific knowledge, engineering ethics, and the public good.