The earthquake preparedness and resilience studies of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality were discussed at the IEKKK meeting. Minister Tunç Soyer“One of the most important issues for us is earthquake. "Earthquake studies should be the fixed agenda item of this board and the government," he said.
The Izmir Disaster Emergency Action Plan was on the agenda of the 115th meeting of the Izmir Economic Development Coordination Board (IEKKK). Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Tunç SoyerAt the meeting hosted by Ahmed Adnan Saygun Art Center, the city's earthquake preparedness and resilience studies were on the agenda. Stating that they started working with Turkey's leading scientists to create a resilient city after the Izmir earthquake on October 30, 2020, the President Tunç Soyer“We had planned to hold the İzmir Disaster Emergency Plan meeting exactly one year later. We wanted to convey the results of our studies after the scanning of our buildings was completed, our micro-zoning studies were completed and the new site plan of İzmir became concrete. However, the great disaster we have experienced has revealed the necessity of sharing all these preparations we have made in advance. For this reason, our scientists and bureaucrats, with their presentations, explained the work we have done to build a safer Izmir together, and the point we have reached.”
“We expect this much investment from the central government”
Mayor Soyer said to the board members that they announced at the Izmir Disaster Emergency Action Plan meeting that they had allocated 10 percent of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality's budget only to earthquake resistance and urban transformation works as of next year, and said, “We are trying to do everything we can. But this is not enough. We expect the same amount of investment from the central government. We can only do this with our budget, but if the government works with us at the same time, we will double this figure," he said.
Isn't it time for us to learn?
In line with the proposal from the members of the Board, Chairman Soyer, who considers it appropriate that the fixed item on the agenda at the IEKKK meetings is earthquake studies, said, “Let the earthquake work be the fixed agenda item of this board and the government. Whatever we are doing to make the city resilient, the government should put these on its agenda. Earthquake is one of the most important issues for us. Isn't it time to learn from something? Why don't we teach our children about fault lines and earthquakes at school. It is a subject that should be included in the curriculum since primary school. Turkey is an earthquake zone and we will overcome this issue by raising the awareness of our people," he said.
“I am glad we are from Izmir”
IEKKK members, on the other hand, stated that Izmir's earthquake preparedness and resilience works set an example for Turkey and expressed that they are proud of Mayor Soyer and his projects. Aegean Region Chamber of Industry President Ender Yorgancılar said, “Actually, we are in a process where we should be ashamed as a country. We thought that the structures built after 2000 would not be demolished. But it was destroyed. The number of people coming to İzmir from the earthquake zone is 50 thousand. 250 thousand to Mersin. There is no earthquake in Mersin at the moment, but it is a province in need of help. However, one thing that made us happy was that İzmir put its signature under works that will set an example for Turkey. We said, 'It's good that we are from Izmir'. He was also from Izmir in the One Rent One Home Campaign. He will also do earthquake works," he said.
“Proud of“
Mahmut Özgener, Chairman of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, said, “Our scientists have said how accurate and important the work of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is. I am proud to be an Izmirian. prof. Dr. Our teacher Naci Görür said, 'İzmir can be a resilient city in Turkey'. This made me very happy too. We are a society that forgets everything quickly. The constant subject of this board is earthquake. Let's not forget so that we don't make our environment forget," he said.
“Aid trucks were passing”
Ilker Kahraman, Chairman of the Izmir Branch of the Chamber of Architects, also stated that they participated in the relief efforts in Iskenderun and Hatay and said, “I am proud to be from Izmir. The aid trucks of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality were passing from our right to our left. We are there for damage assessment studies. "The regulation is a regulation for everyone, but monitoring is not for everyone," he said.