Disaster Preparedness Discussed in Buca on 27th Anniversary of Marmara Earthquake

In commemoration of the 27th anniversary of the devastating Marmara earthquake, Buca Municipality, in collaboration with the İzmir Disaster Awareness, Environmental and Climate Awareness Association (İZ-AFED), organized a special event focused on enhancing public disaster preparedness. Titled "August 17, 1999 We Have Not Forgotten, But We Must Be More Prepared," the panel discussion took place at Buca Hasanağa Garden.

The event brought together Buca Municipality council members, representatives from non-governmental organizations, and numerous citizens. The panel featured insights from Dr. Tevfik Özgür Kurtulmuş, a faculty member from Dokuz Eylül University's Department of Seismology; Bora Sonuvar, a member of İZ-AFED and a geological engineer; and Meltem Tuna Kırcılar, a structural engineer and occupational safety expert from NARKUT. Discussions delved into detailed seismological evaluations, structural integrity, and essential precautionary measures required before, during, and after earthquakes.

Servet Ertaş, Chairman of İZ-AFED and a Disaster Awareness Trainer, emphasized the critical concept of "Hazard Hunting." He stressed that proactively identifying and mitigating risks is paramount to saving lives. Ertaş stated, "In the event of an earthquake, asking beforehand 'What will harm me here, what will be destroyed, will there be injuries or deaths?' and identifying risks to reduce them as much as possible is of critical importance. The earthquake itself is a danger; our duty is to minimize the risks that this danger will create."

Adding a practical dimension, the Buca Municipality Search and Rescue Unit (BUCAKUT) presented an exhibition showcasing their technical equipment and photographs from field operations. Several other organizations, including İZ-AFED, Narlıdere Search and Rescue Association (NARKUT), Turkish Radio Amateurs Association (TRAC), Konak Disaster Center (KAM), Karşıyaka Municipality Search and Rescue Unit (KUTAK), and Gönül Elçileri Search and Rescue Association, also set up booths to inform attendees about their respective activities and preparedness efforts.

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In the event of an earthquake, asking beforehand 'What will harm me here, what will be destroyed, will there be injuries or deaths?' and identifying risks to reduce them as much as possible is of critical importance. The earthquake itself is a danger; our duty is to minimize the risks that this danger will create.