A month before the massive earthquake struck southern Turkey, Japanese earthquake engineering experts visited the site to investigate changes in the ground surface caused by the earthquake and the state of damage to buildings. .
More than 51,000 people died in Turkey and neighboring Syria in the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck southern Turkey on the 6th of last month and the subsequent earthquake, and 200,000 buildings in Turkey alone suffered serious damage such as collapse. beyond the building.
Under these circumstances, on the 4th, Professor Shinichiro Mori of Ehime University, who specializes in earthquake engineering, entered the disaster area in southern Turkey and began a field survey.
Program-Specific Professor Mori inspected faults that appeared due to the earthquake in Nuruda, near the epicenter, confirmed that the ground had shifted significantly both vertically and horizontally, and heard from victims about the shaking at the time.
In addition, in Antakya, which was severely damaged, we confirmed the damage to the bridge over the river that runs through the center.
Professor Mori points out that there is a possibility that seismic waves called "killer pulses", which have a period of 1 to 2 seconds, may have exacerbated the damage. I was checking the strength of the building by hitting it with a hammer.
Professor Mori says, "Buildings with insufficient earthquake resistance are being damaged in a concentrated manner. I think we should be very careful that similar damage will occur in Japan as well, such as old buildings that are said to be 'old earthquake resistance'. I would like to compile a survey report and use it for the people of Japan and Turkey."
Program-Specific Professor Mori will continue his research in Turkey until the 7th of this month, and plans to hold a debriefing session after returning to Japan.