Growing Danger in Konya Plain: AFAD's Latest Data Revealed

Efforts to record sinkholes in the Konya Closed Basin are ongoing. The number of recorded sinkholes in Konya, Karaman, and Aksaray has risen to 739, according to the Sinkhole Sensitivity Map study conducted by AFAD. Şükrü Arslan, Chairman of the Konya Branch of the Chamber of Geological Engineers, announced that 702 of the sinkholes are in Konya, 29 in Karaman, and 8 in Aksaray, based on AFAD's data. The project, which was launched in 2020 by the Konya AFAD Provincial Directorate, utilizes artificial intelligence, Geographic Information Systems, and satellite imagery to update the region's sinkhole inventory. The number of sinkholes formed in Konya over the years has been analyzed. Arslan stated that the unconscious use of groundwater in the Konya Closed Basin accelerates sinkhole formation. Climate change, drought, and uncontrolled groundwater use are cited as factors contributing to sinkhole formation in the Konya Plain. The inventory and sensitivity mapping studies coordinated by AFAD are emphasized to be crucial for taking precautions and reducing disaster risk.