Earthquake of August 19, 1966, Varto Area, eastern Turkey

The earthquake of August 19, 1966, centered near Varto in eastern Turkey. It occurred at 12:22:09.6 G. M. T. and had a Richter magnitude of about 7. Intensities reached IX. Reportedly, 2,529 people were killed, 1,500 injured, and 19,013 buildings were demolished or heavily damaged.

Surface fractures in three parallel fracture zones trending N65-70°W display both right-lateral strike slip and extension normal to the fractures. The trend and sense of displacement relate the fracturing to the North Anatolia fault system.

Examples of geologic factors influencing damage include: (1) degree of saturation of the alluvium, (2) proximity to landslides, and (3) relation to surface faulting.