6 months after a devastating earthquake, Turkey’s preparedness is still uncertain

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Six months following a devastating earthquake that struck Kahramanmaras and other provinces in southern Turkey on February 6, the country remains unsure of its preparedness for future disasters. As the demolition of damaged buildings continues, efforts to secure the safety of residents in high-risk areas are fraught with challenges and political disputes.

The recent demolition in Istanbul, far from the earthquake zone, aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future. However, the scale of destruction witnessed earlier and the risks posed by living in vulnerable buildings have raised concerns among residents and experts alike. Istanbul, being situated on a major fault line, faces the constant risk of an earthquake that could have catastrophic consequences.

Political disagreements between the Istanbul municipality and the national government in Ankara have hindered efforts to reach a consensus on the number of at-risk buildings. Regardless, both parties acknowledge that hundreds of thousands of structures are susceptible to collapse in the event of an earthquake.

Following the earthquake, the Istanbul municipality pledged to demolish 318 unsafe buildings, while the national government, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, promised to construct 319,000 new homes within a year. However, the pace of reconstruction and assistance has been a point of contention, with earthquake survivors in the affected provinces demanding faster action and expressing their frustration at the lack of progress.

Hatay province, one of the hardest-hit regions, is grappling with dire living conditions, including a cost of living crisis, power cuts, water shortages, and health risks due to asbestos from the rubble. Residents have grown disillusioned with the lack of concrete action from the government and the absence of substantial support in rebuilding their lives.

Experts, like geologist Naci Gorur, have long warned about the potential earthquake risk in Istanbul and other provinces. However, their calls for comprehensive planning and adherence to scientific principles in constructing earthquake-resistant structures have often been overshadowed by political considerations and short-term solutions.

Despite Erdogan’s perceived support for earthquake victims during his campaign, criticisms persist regarding lax building codes enforcement and inadequate emergency response by the government. The focus on providing housing and aid in the earthquake regions helped Erdogan’s party retain power in most affected provinces.

As Turkey heads into municipal elections, the uncertainty surrounding preparedness for future earthquakes remains a pressing concern. While some progress has been made, the urgency to address the risks and build resilient structures still demands greater attention and commitment.

In conclusion, Turkey faces significant challenges in ensuring its preparedness for future earthquakes. The destruction and loss of life from the February earthquake served as a grim reminder of the urgent need for better infrastructure and comprehensive planning to safeguard the lives and well-being of its citizens. Political disputes and differing priorities between government bodies continue to impact progress, leaving residents in vulnerable buildings uncertain about their safety and future. Efforts must be intensified to prioritize the implementation of scientific principles and long-term solutions to protect against potential seismic disasters.

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More about earthquake preparedness

• The Big Big News: The news outlet where the original text was published.
• BBC News: BBC’s coverage on the earthquake in Turkey and its aftermath.
• Reuters: Reuters’ reporting on earthquake-related developments in Turkey.
• National Geographic: Articles on earthquake risks and preparedness in Turkey.
• Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKI): Official website of the organization providing housing projects for earthquake victims.
• Science Academy: The website of the Science Academy, featuring insights from experts on earthquake risks in Turkey.
• The Guardian: News coverage from The Guardian on the earthquake aftermath and Turkey’s preparedness efforts.