2011 Kütahya earthquake

Earthquake

The magnitude 5.8 () earthquake occurred inland on 19 May 2011 at 20:15 UTC at a depth of 9.1 km (5.7 mi), as a result of shallow intraplate faulting in an area of north–south tectonic extension about 80 km (50 mi) west-southwest of Kütahya city. High levels of seismic activity have been registered in the region; historically, it has been home to many destructive earthquakes. Preliminary analysis suggested the quake was triggered by a slip on an east–west trending normal fault. National seismologists identified the fault as the active Simav fault, which has previously generated earthquakes of similar intensities. Due to its magnitude, the quake was believed to have caused a surface rupture near the epicenter. Initial estimates from the United States Geological Survey placed the magnitude at 6.0 (Mw), though this – as well as its focal depth – was revised shortly after. Concurrently, the quake was assigned a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 (ML) by the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute.

Intensity

Owing to the shallow depth, powerful shaking was reported in many areas around the epicenter. Maximum ground motion in Simav was estimated at VII (Very strong) on the Mercalli scale; Intensity VI (Strong) was also reported in the two proximate small districts of Pazarlar and Şaphane. Most of Kütahya Province, as well as some parts of adjacent provinces, reported lighter shaking (MM IV–V), with weak tremors felt as far away as Istanbul several hundred kilometers from the epicenter.

Related shocks

A light magnitude 3.8 foreshock struck Simav at 19:59 UTC, 23 minutes before the main shock. As of 20 May 2011, over 450 minor aftershocks were reported in the region. There were no immediate reports of additional damage following the tremors.

Damage and casualties

The earthquake struck at midnight near a well-populated area; a good amount of structures around the epicenter were reported to be vulnerable to earthquake shaking. Power supply was cut to most of Simav in order to prevent fires, and telephone lines in the area were down. Hundreds of structures in Samiv sustained damage, particularly ranging from deep cracks to roof collapse. Several small fires were sparked by damaged stoves in collapsed apartments, and the tremor toppled furniture in most residences.

A total of 122 people were injured; at least one person was reported to be in critical condition, and others suffered heart attacks and anxiety attacks.

References

References

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17. (2011-05-20). "İl il Simav depremi". [[NTV (Turkey).