"Landslide May Trigger Earthquake"
Altınbaş University Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Zeki Hasgür evaluated the possible consequences of the landslide that occurred in the gold mine area in Erzincan. According to Hasgür, the landslide could trigger an eart
Professor Dr. Zeki Hasgür, an earthquake expert and faculty member of the Engineering and Architecture Faculty at Altınbaş University, evaluated the soil slippage incident that occurred in the mine shaft in Erzincan and issued warnings.
Hasgür pointed out that the point of convergence of the North Anatolian Fault Line is above the location where the incident occurred, stating, "Thus, this cyanide-containing substance penetrates into very deep parts. With chemical changes, the lower layers of the soil become contaminated, and there may be sliding situations on the contaminated surface. Such a situation constitutes a triggering done by human hands."
Recalling the attempt to dispose of nerve gases left over from World War II in the United States, Professor Dr. Zeki Hasgür said, "These nerve gases are injected into the Nevada Desert at a depth of 2,000 meters. After this process, earthquakes up to magnitude 5 occur. Initially, geologists objected to this. However, it turned out that earthquakes were triggered by these experiments. This is what we call man-made earthquakes."
Hasgür drew attention to the spread of fluid soil in the region of Erzincan, stating, "It can exacerbate earthquakes in areas already prone to seismic activity. There are large dams. If it seeps underneath dam bodies, it becomes much more dangerous. It can also damage dam bodies."
Referring to the events in the Balya district, Professor Dr. Zeki Hasgür said, "Until the 1930s, the population of the Balya District, where zinc and lead were mined, decreased from 15,000 to 3,000. This mine, operated by the French, closed after the abolition of capitulations, but people still experienced the effects of environmental disaster. They were poisoned without knowing what they ate and drank."
Hasgür emphasized the importance of adhering to rules regarding mining, saying, "If the rules are not followed, it can lead to environmental and health problems. Because when these substances are inhaled, they can lead to cancer."