Successive Earthquakes in Düzce and Surroundings: Anxiety Among the Local Population

The successive earthquakes that occurred in the last two days, especially in Düzce and around Bolu and Sakarya, have caused great anxiety among the local population. Although the magnitudes of the tremors recorded during this period generally remained at low levels, the frequency of these situations is noteworthy. The fact that the region is located on active fault lines sets the stage for such geological movements to occur frequently, even if they are small in scale. These seismic activities, which are constantly monitored by the authorities, are meticulously recorded by both the Kandilli Rasathanesi and AFAD. Citizens living in the region, influenced by the great destruction experienced in the past, remain on high alert at all times and closely follow the developments.

According to the latest data shared by the Kandilli Rasathanesi ve Deprem Araştırma Enstitüsü, the seismic activity in the region started on Sunday, 5 Temmuz 2026. In the early hours of the day, specifically at saat 06.02, a noticeable tremor was recorded in the Mengen district of Bolu. While the magnitude of this first earthquake was measured as 1.9, it was announced that the epicenter was located at a depth of approximately 4.7 kilometers. Occurring at a very shallow depth, this event caused it to be felt regionally. Experts state that such shallow earthquakes have a higher probability of being felt, but their likelihood of causing structural damage is low. Nevertheless, this situation causes psychological discomfort among the local population.

By Monday, the sequence of tremors did not cease, and earthquakes occurred successively in different districts. In the early hours of the morning, around saat 05.27, an earthquake with a magnitude of 1.3 was recorded in the Akyazı district of Sakarya. It was reported that this tremor occurred at a depth of 14 kilometers and was mostly unfelt. Immediately after this, at saat 07.02, a separate earthquake with a magnitude of 1.3 occurred in the Kaynaşlı district of Düzce, this time at a depth of 11 kilometers. In the afternoon hours, when the same intensity persisted, another tremor with a magnitude of 1.6 was measured at 15.53 in the Hendek district of Sakarya.

In the later hours of the day, the activity in the region was also reflected in AFAD data, and the series of tremors that started in the morning continued into the afternoon. According to AFAD's current data, at saat 16.27, another earthquake occurred in the Yığılca district of Düzce. While the magnitude of this last tremor in Yığılca was measured as 1.0, its depth was announced as 7 kilometers. These four separate earthquakes occurring at different points in a single day revealed how dynamic the region is geologically. Although authorities evaluate the theories that these small-scale earthquakes provide stress relief, it is emphasized that the fundamental message for the local population is to take precautions.

While this recent series of earthquakes reminds the local people of traumatic events such as the 1999 Marmara Depremi and Düzce Depremi, it once again brought to the agenda how vital earthquake preparedness is. Authorities request citizens to follow the official platforms of AFAD and the Kandilli Rasathanesi and to rely on scientific data rather than rumors. Additionally, experts frequently state that such small earthquakes are not direct precursors to a major earthquake, but they provide information about the general structure of the fault lines. It is reminded that essential precautions should be taken, such as strengthening the building stock in the region and preparing individual earthquake kits. Raising awareness against possible scenarios that may occur in the future is seen as the most effective way to minimize loss of life and property.