Cracks in the Ataturk Dam after earthquakes
The Atatürk Dam in Turkey is in critical condition after being hit by two massive earthquakes, with a magnitude of 7.5 and 7.8 on the Richter scale. Reports suggest that multiple cracks have been found in the dam, and nearby areas have been evacuated.
Experts are warning that the dam could break at any moment, causing devastation and potentially flooding an area of 30 square kilometers. The Turkish professor of seismology, Dr. Nasi Göryur, is calling for immediate action to be taken to check the dams in the region to avoid any potential tragedy.
But that's not all! The dam of Lake Midanki in Afrin, northern Syria, has also cracked. If the international community does not intervene and send committees to restore the dam, a tragedy worse than an earthquake could occur.
The Atatürk Dam is a crucial part of the GAP South East Anatolia Project, which aims to harness the water resources of the Tigris and Euphrates springs. The project consists of 13 dams, with another dam expected to be completed, bringing the total number of dams to 14. The Atatürk Dam is part of the Euphrates Environment, forming the lake of the same name, which is the third largest in Turkey, covering an area of 817 square kilometers, with an estimated volume of water of 48.7 cubic kilometers.
The water level in the lake has been fluctuating between 526 m above sea level and 537 m above sea level, but the maximum allowable height for the safety of the dam is 546 m above sea level. The dam is also critical to the operation of the hydroelectric power plant, with the minimum water level for its operation set at 526 m above sea level.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as experts assess the damage and plan for next steps.
But that's not all! The dam of Lake Midanki in Afrin, northern Syria, has also cracked. If the international community does not intervene and send committees to restore the dam, a tragedy worse than an earthquake could occur.
The Atatürk Dam is a crucial part of the GAP South East Anatolia Project, which aims to harness the water resources of the Tigris and Euphrates springs. The project consists of 13 dams, with another dam expected to be completed, bringing the total number of dams to 14. The Atatürk Dam is part of the Euphrates Environment, forming the lake of the same name, which is the third largest in Turkey, covering an area of 817 square kilometers, with an estimated volume of water of 48.7 cubic kilometers.
The water level in the lake has been fluctuating between 526 m above sea level and 537 m above sea level, but the maximum allowable height for the safety of the dam is 546 m above sea level. The dam is also critical to the operation of the hydroelectric power plant, with the minimum water level for its operation set at 526 m above sea level.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as experts assess the damage and plan for next steps.
