Aftershocks are common following a strong earthquake, and seismologist Alexander Gulyaev spoke about their duration in an interview with FAN. He noted that ground tremors can be felt for a period that extends into months, though predicting an exact timeline remains challenging. The practical takeaway is that aftershocks may continue to occur well after the main event, even if the main quake has subsided, and the pattern of these tremors can vary from one event to another.
Gulyaev explained that precisely forecasting how long aftershocks will last is difficult. In some instances, they can persist for six months or longer. This uncertainty is a normal part of seismic activity, and it underscores the need for ongoing preparedness and monitoring in affected regions. While the overall energy release of aftershocks tends to diminish over time, there are occasions when the intensity remains enough to threaten structures that survived the initial quake, with collapse or significant damage possible if aftershocks strike while buildings are already stressed.
Earlier in the day of the main earthquake, an event registering a magnitude of 7.7 occurred, striking in Turkey. The epicenter was in the Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş, and shaking was reported across multiple cities including Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Kayseri, Mersin, Trabzon, and Urfa. In response, authorities raised the alert level to its highest status. The latest official figures indicated thousands of fatalities and numerous injuries, highlighting the widespread impact on communities, infrastructure, and emergency services. The situation called for rapid search and rescue efforts, medical support, and long‑term recovery planning as communities began to assess damage and begin rebuilding. It also underscored the importance of resilient design and preparedness in earthquake-prone regions to reduce risk from future aftershocks and future seismic events.