A Failure in Turkey's Earthquake Response : Delay in disaster management and preparedness

The disaster, with a death toll in Turkey and neighboring Syria exceeding 41,000 and 70,000 injured, has left many survivors homeless in near-freezing winter temperatures. Rescued people are now suffering from lack of shelter, basic aid and food. The earthquake has shaken the ground of southeastern Turkey and northern Syria with a magnitude of 7.8 and 7.5, 9 hours apart (1:18 GMT and 10:25 GMT) on February 6, 2023. Burying people alive, shattering homes, schools, and hospitals, and causing trauma beyond belief across the region.

The earthquake created a fault line of around 100 kms and 400 kms of surface rupture affecting more than 10 million people and partially or completely destroying more than 8000 buildings. The epicenter of both the earthquake was Gaziantep, Turkey which was followed by 2100 aftershocks.

Is it only an act of God or Safety code breach by corrupted people is responsible too for the vast damage?

 Contractors sold buildings as safe that then collapsed but just as culpable are officials who offered permits and neglected controls. Many of the newly build residential complexes that were sold as luxury apartments collapsed like a sandcastle burying thousands under the rubble (debris material). Some of the contractors responsible have tried to flee Turkey. Warrants have been issued for more than 130 people over alleged breaches of safety codes, and several construction company owners have been arrested.

LACK OF PREPAREDNESS

10 Provinces in Turkey are still in the state of the emergency and probably for the next 3 months. Was it a Failure of Turkey’s Earthquake Response? Turkey is still receiving criticism on its delay in disaster management and preparedness. The military forces were not sent to the affected areas even after the hours of the earthquake. Several residents tried to contact Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency but could not reach them. It was observed that professional rescue teams and equipment were at bare minimum. Turkish President acknowledged the shortcomings by responding that “it is not possible to be prepared for such a disaster”. But is an acknowledgment sufficient for the thousands stuck with no food and shelter?

EGSS’s COUNSEL

Reportedly the Dutch Researcher, Mr. Frank Hoogerbeets, who predicted the Turkey Earthquake also predicts large tremors near India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The first thing comes to our mind after watching the horrifying scenes in Turkey is Are we prepared enough? Is disaster management available at the country, state, district, and institutional level? Are the buildings we are residing in or spending our working day structurally sound to protect us?

In India, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headed by the prime minister is the apex body of Government to respond in case of any disaster. This body operates at state and district level as well, approves and mandates plans-policies to prevent, prepare and mitigate natural and man-made disasters.

Over 59 per cent of India’s land area is under threat of moderate to severe seismic hazard; that means it is prone to shaking of MSK Intensity VII and above (BMTPC, 2006). In fact, the entire Himalayan belt is considered prone to great earthquakes of magnitude exceeding 8.0.

In addition to that, the structural controls of the buildings, regular inspections and permits by the internal and external authorities play a crucial role in deciding the level of safety or risk we are prone to. 

Stay updated and check Disaster Management plan of your building, district, state, and country. Examine the validity of permits and controls. Schedule those pending inspections. For more insight connect with us now.

Author - Munish Kumar