1992 Erzincan earthquake

1992 Erzincan earthquake

Date	13 March 1992 (1992-03-13)
Origin time	17:18:41 UTC [1]
Magnitude	6.7 Mw [1]
Depth	20 km (12 mi) [1]
Epicenter	39°43′N 39°36′E / 39.71°N 39.6°E / 39.71; 39.6Coordinates: 39°43′N 39°36′E / 39.71°N 39.6°E / 39.71; 39.6 [1]
Type	Strike-slip [2]
Total damage	$13.5 million [2]
Max. intensity	VIII (Severe) [2]
Casualties	498–652 dead [2] 2,000 injured [2]

On 13 March, the 1992 Erzincan earthquake struck eastern Turkey with a moment magnitude of 6.7 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe). Originating on the North Anatolian Fault, it rocked the country, leaving at least 498 people dead, roughly 2,000 injured, and an unknown amount missing. Total financial losses amounted to $13.5 million (American dollars).

Geology

Eastern Turkey is dominated by the North Anatolian Fault. The Erzincan basin lies on the intersection of this fault on its northern side. Monitored by more than 10 seismographs, this basin has also provided focal points to at least one past earthquake in 1939.^[3]

Earthquake

At 6.7 on the moment magnitude scale, the earthquake was designated as "strong". It was responsible for more than 490 deaths, spread throughout the country of Turkey. More than 3,000 aftershocks rocked the area afterwards.^[4]

Aftermath

The provision of housing following the earthquake is now listed by the Chamber of Civil Engineers in Turkey as one of Fifty civil engineering feats in Turkey.

References