Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “Earthquake will happen" warnings harmed society's psychology

Geologists are making earthquake predictions in many cities of Turkey, especially Istanbul. This situation is causing anxiety among citizens.

Renowned Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that scientists should be more sensitive for public health. Stating that people are already traumatized after the earthquake in Kahramanmaraş, Tarhan said, ‘‘Our experts should speak based on scientific soundness, not by adding their excitement. Because people can exaggerate everything. Especially residents of Istanbul have become very sensitive. Panic attacks, anxiety are increasing, and old diseases are recurring. It's not the earthquake itself, but the uncertainty that is damaging people's mental health. Istanbul residents are constantly thinking ‘will there be an earthquake?’ If this continues, social peace will be disrupted.’’

TURKEY