The earthquakes and related tsunamis of October 6, 1944 and March 7, 1867; NE Aegean Sea

Abstract

During two distinct earthquakes occurred on March 7, 1867 and October 6, 1944, tsunami waves were also observed at some localities around the Gulf of Edremit, NE Aegean Sea. The first event (M _w = 6.8) mostly affected the city of Mitilini of Lesvos Island while the Gulf of Edremit-Ayvacık earthquake (M _S = 6.8) largely affected the northern and eastern coastal areas of the Gulf of Edremit. In 1944 earthquake, numerous surface cracks and water gushes were reported. The coastal neighborhoods of the town of Ayvalık in the east were flooded by tsunami waves. At the WSW extend of the main fault observed on land, which is parallel to the present-day slip vectors, some normal-oblique faults were observed close and subparallel to the northern coast. On the basis of historical documents, reports, interviews, geological setting, field observations and marine seismic reflection data, the 1944 earthquake was not triggered by one of the main fault segments but by a secondary fault or fault group which was described in this study. Depending on the distribution of tensional and compressional forces in the region, which rotates clockwise under the control of the middle strand of the North Anatolian fault, secondary fault groups become important. The moment tensor parameters of such small-size events have been determined and have obtained consistent results with the faults proposed in this study.

Appendix

1.1 BOA, Turkish Republic Prime Ministry, General Directorate of the State (Ottoman) Archives, March 8, 1867 (24 Shubat 1282 Ottoman Rumi), IDH 559/38977

Two consecutive strong earthquakes took place in Ayvalık yesterday, on Thursday, a quarter hour after the sunset, and they were followed by constant small shocks in every 15–20 min. A couple of houses, walls and chimney flues were demolished; no human loss was reported.

1.2 October 7, 1944, Cumhuriyet

Headlines

The earthquake that devoured Ayvalık. Human loss is less than the first perturbing rumors: 15 dead in Ayvalık and 60 wounded. The rate of destroyed houses exceeds 90% especially in three neighborhoods of the city. Governor of Balıkesir who visited the earthquake area recounted the things he saw (to Cumhuriyet). Küçükkuyu and Gömeç are among the districts that the earthquake affected the most.

Information provided by the İzmir Reporter: The earthquake was centered on Ayvalık. This center covers Gömeç and Burhaniye, as well. It drastically affected a great portion of the shoreline of the Edremit Bay. Hayreddinpaşa and Vehbibey neighborhoods in Ayvalık shoreline were demolished up to 90% and the waters ran up to these areas following the earthquake.

1.3 October 7, 1944 Tanin

Headline

Tidal wave

According to the information provided by İzmir 6 (Private), Ayvalık, a strong tidal wave completely demolished the last standing buildings after the earthquake.

1.4 October 7, 1944 Yeni Sabah

Headlines

Damage caused by yesterday’s strong earthquake. Half of Ayvalık is a wreck.

Following the earthquake, the houses on the shore were attacked by the sea. The oil factory was demolished. Human loss is immense; situation in the villages is unknown.

A very strong earthquake in our city was felt in the small hours last night. Starting all of a sudden at 05:35 daylight time, the earthquake lasted for 36 s causing all the citizens to get up from their sleep and a serious anxiety.

The following is the news arrived chronologically since yesterday morning.

Kandili Observatory reports.

İstanbul 6 (Anatolian Press Agent) Kandili Observatory reported. This morning at 05:35:6 daylight time, a very strong earthquake was recorded. The epicenter was found out to be 260 km far from Istanbul.

A second light shock was recorded again today at 10:29:15 daylight time.

1.5 October 8, 1944 Yeni Asır

Yesterday, houses in Gömeç were demolished once more. The citizens of Ayvalık are out in the cold and some people got sick.

Chief Police Officer Aziz Tuncer tells:

The Chief Police Officer of Ayvalık, Mr. Aziz Tuncer, is more or less the only and the most prominent witness of the incident in that he beheld the earthquake disaster at great length. An acquaintance from İzmir told me about the earthquake as follows.

“Woken up at 04.30 a.m., I was out to check whether the police officers and the guards were on duty. While slowly going to the guards along the coast, at 5:30 a.m., I sensed a tide in the sea, similar to storm. Waters were running to the shore in seconds and subsequently a dark and immense layer of water was ramping from the sea as if it was rising to the sky. Thinking about the possibility of a great storm, I realized first the break down of Alibey Island, and then the fall of the city with its buildings behind. This was followed by scrambles and outcries. It was particularly striking that where I stepped cracked and dark waters started to rise. The situation was clear. I immediately called my friends on duty by whistling. No firm building was seen in twilight.”

1.6 October 12, 1944 (Journal of) Ayvalık

Headline

The Earthquake that turned our beautiful Ayvalık into a wreck.

Material loss amounts to 12 million Liras. Three neighborhoods are completely destroyed, 700–800 houses are demolished and 1,000–1,200 houses are no more habitable. A total of 800–1,000 houses necessitate repair works. There are 18 dead, 16 seriously wounded and 257 slightly wounded. Moreover, there are 657 animal casualties of different races.

Starting on October 5, 1944, Thursday night at 05:35 a.m. and lasting for approximately 45–50 s, the extremely strong earthquake destroyed the whole of Vehbi Bey, Zeki Bey and Hayrettin Paşa neighborhoods; the half of Kemal Paşa and Fevzi Paşa neighborhoods; some parts of Fethiye, Hamdi Bey, İsmet Paşa, Sakarya neighborhoods; and caused further material loss and damage in other neighborhoods.

Currently, 700–800 houses are completely demolished, whereas 1,000–1,200 houses are not habitable. Approximately 800–1,000 houses necessitate repair works. No firm store or shop is left in the shopping area.

Government Office, Courthouse, City Hall, Party and Community Center buildings, Tekel Administration, Recruiting Office, Dispensary, Police Station, Post office, İş Bank building, Secondary School, Sakarya and İstiklal Primary School were either completely or partially damaged.

1.7 October 26, 1944 (Journal of) Ayvalık

Headline

The center of the earthquake was found to be Ayvalık.

According to the reports, the earthquake will mildly continue for 2 months. The epicenter is in 7–8 km deep in the sea on the northwest of Ayvalık.

Ankara Radio 26 (Anatolian Press Agent): According to the examinations of İstanbul Observatory assistant manager Kemal Ekmen and his assistants in the earthquake area in Ayvalık, it is reported that the epicenter was in the sea on the northwest of Ayvalık and in 7–8 km deep and that the earthquake will continue mildly for 2 months.