Seferihisar earns UNESCO 'Tsunami Ready Community' certification

Seferihisar, a district in Turkey's Izmir province, has earned the prestigious "Tsunami Ready Community" certification from UNESCO. This recognition follows the devastating earthquake in 2020, which triggered a tsunami that impacted the region. The certification acknowledges Seferihisar's comprehensive preparedness efforts in the face of natural disasters.

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Instead of being afraid, we need to be ready. Instead of fatalism, we need to organize responsibility, and instead of loneliness, we need to organize solidarity. Increasing social awareness is the most important part of managing before, during, and after a disaster.

The award ceremony, held at the Seferihisar Municipality's Cagan Irmak Cultural Center, was attended by local and provincial officials, including Izmir Deputy Governor Ismail Çorumluoğlu, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Dr. Zafer Levent Yıldır, and Seferihisar Mayor İsmail Yetişkin. The certificate was presented to Dr. Yıldır on behalf of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality.

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In Izmir, where an earthquake of magnitude 7 or greater is expected, the effects of a tsunami must also be considered. Therefore, the work and awareness activities carried out are of great importance. We must continue to move forward on the path shown by reason and science.

Officials emphasized the importance of preparedness over fear. "Instead of being afraid, we need to be ready," stated Dr. Yıldır, highlighting the need for responsibility and solidarity. Deputy Governor Çorumluoğlu noted Izmir's inherent risk of earthquakes and tsunamis, stressing that awareness and preparedness activities are crucial. Mayor Yetişkin recalled the 2020 tsunami and pledged that Seferihisar would never be caught unprepared again, detailing measures like early warning systems, evacuation maps, and drills. He expressed pride in Seferihisar becoming the first district in the Aegean region to receive this title.

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On that day, we promised that Seferihisar would never be caught unprepared again. We installed early warning systems, prepared evacuation maps, placed information boards, and conducted drills. We are proud to be the first district with this title in the Aegean.

AFAD Director Nazif Ekinci underscored the interconnectedness of disaster preparedness efforts, especially in light of climate change diversifying and increasing natural hazards. He stressed that all disaster-related work should be part of a cohesive whole. Experts from the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KRDAE) confirmed the tsunami threat to the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean coasts, urging other coastal settlements to emulate Seferihisar's success.

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Every study related to disasters must be part of a whole. They must complement each other.