On 13 March 1992, a moment magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck eastern Turkey. It had a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent) and occurred along the North Anatolian Fault. At least 498 people died, roughly 2,000 were injured, and an unknown number of people went missing. Total financial losses were between $13.5 million and $750 million (US Dollars).

Geology

Most of Turkey lies on the Anatolian Plate. Deformation from is accommodated through three main faults: the eastern portion of the Hellenic Trench accommodates convergence between the Aegean Sea Plate and the Anatolian Plate in the south, the North Anatolian Fault in the north, along which this earthquake occurred, accommodates the deformation between the Anatolian Plate and the Eurasian Plate which forces the Anatolian west, and the East Anatolian Fault in the east accommodates the same deformation. The Erzincan basin lies on the intersection of this fault on its northern side.

Earthquake

At 6.7 on the moment magnitude scale, the earthquake was designated as "strong". The maximum Modified Mercalli intensity was evaluated at IX (Violent) and peak ground acceleration recorded at 0.5 g. The focal mechanism indicated strike slip faulting, and rupture is estimated to be 30 km (19 mi) long with a maximum slip of 95 cm (37 in). More than 3,000 aftershocks rocked the area afterwards.

Aftermath

The earthquake left at least 498 killed, 2,000 injured, collapsed 150 buildings and damaged over 8,000 homes. 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. A temporary group of 10 seismographs were set up in the area to monitor aftershocks.

Sports

Erzincanspor, the local football team, withdrew from the 1991-92 3. Lig on the 24th week after the earthquake.

See also

• List of earthquakes in 1992
• List of earthquakes in Turkey