President Ersin Tatar chaired a high-level meeting to address the risks of potential earthquakes and the necessary preventive measures.
The meeting included officials from various government departments and civil society organizations, underscoring the importance of a collaborative approach to disaster preparedness.
Among the participants were Presidential Office Director Osman Çağakan, Chair of the Presidential Earthquake Committee Prof. Dr. Cavit Atalar, Director of the Geology and Mining Department Ayşen Albayrak, Meteorology Department Director Sinan Güneş, and representatives from professional organizations, including Dr. Mehmet Necdet of the Chamber of Geological Engineers, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdullah Ekinci of the Chamber of Civil Engineers, and others specializing in urban planning, architecture, and seismology.
The discussions focused on fault lines, earthquake maps, soil studies, the current state of buildings, regulations for new constructions, legal frameworks, pre-earthquake precautions, and inspection mechanisms.
Speaking during the meeting, President Tatar emphasized the unpredictability of earthquakes and highlighted the establishment of the Presidential Earthquake Committee in 2021.
He stressed the need for vigilance, noting that a significant earthquake would affect the entire island, including South Cyprus. He also revealed his proposal for cooperation on earthquake preparedness with South Cyprus, which was declined.
While advocating for economic development, Tatar warned against unregulated construction, emphasizing the importance of risk assessments.
He announced that the committee’s findings and recommendations would be forwarded to relevant authorities and called for continued meetings to prioritize safety.
Participants, who shared expert opinions during the meeting, highlighted the importance of bringing together multiple stakeholders to address earthquake preparedness comprehensively.
They expressed gratitude for the initiative and stressed the need for sustained efforts in this critical area.brt