2.7 magnitude earthquake strikes İskele in north Cyprus: Experts warn on building safety

A 2.7 magnitude earthquake struck İskele at 20:19 on Tuesday evening, according to data from Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). 

The quake occurred at a depth of 56.64 kilometres.

Although the tremor was minor and not widely felt, it has sparked concern among experts because it originated on land, in one of the island’s most densely built-up regions.

Chamber of Architects President Onur Olguner expressed his unease in a statement on social media, stressing that even small-scale quakes are worrying when they occur in urbanised areas.

“Although this earthquake was not felt, the fact that it happened on land is concerning,” Olguner said, urging authorities and the public to take structural safety and disaster preparedness more seriously.

Olguner concluded his statement with a reminder:“An earthquake is a natural event. Being unprepared for it is what turns it into a disaster. We must be ready. These responsibilities are ours, and we cannot afford to neglect them.”