24.04.2025 12:10
As part of the preparations for a possible earthquake in Istanbul, the provinces where earthquake victims will be temporarily relocated have been determined according to a two-phase plan. In the first phase, the provinces of Balıkesir, Eskişehir, Ankara, Manisa, İzmir, Afyonkarahisar, Konya, Antalya, Denizli, Samsun, and Kayseri will be used. These provinces have been planned for evacuation and temporary shelter in the initial stage.
After the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Istanbul yesterday, evacuation scenarios prepared for the megacity have come back to the agenda. A detailed earthquake action plan has been created in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, Istanbul Governorship, AFAD, Provincial Gendarmerie Command, and other public institutions for the city with a population of 16 million. The plan was prepared based on a scenario of a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, and all transportation networks have been mobilized for evacuation.
EVACUATION AREAS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED
As part of the evacuation plan, it is anticipated that hundreds of thousands of citizens will leave the city. For this purpose, 23 evacuation areas have been established. The Sirkeci Ferry Terminal, Yenikapı Sea Bus Terminal, Pendik Fast Ferry Terminal, İstinye Pier, Harem Ferry Terminal, and Zeytinburnu Zeyport Port will be operational for evacuations by sea. City Lines ferries, sea buses, Coast Guard vehicles, and maritime units affiliated with the Coast Guard will facilitate the evacuation of citizens from these points.
ROAD AND RAILWAY POINTS
Three important points have been identified for evacuations via railway: Yeşilköy, Halkalı, and Tuzla Train Stations. For road evacuations, Esenler, Alibeyköy, Samandıra, and Harem Bus Stations will be used as evacuation exit centers. Citizens will be transported to these areas via shuttle services.
AIRPORTS WILL PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE
The evacuation process has also included air travel. Istanbul Airport, Atatürk Airport, and Sabiha Gökçen Airport will play an active role in evacuations. This way, all transportation options will be offered to citizens wishing to leave the city. According to the priority order in evacuations, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, children, and women will be evacuated first. Local authorities and security units will guide citizens during the evacuation process.
WHICH PROVINCES WILL THE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS BE SENT TO?
The provinces where earthquake victims will be temporarily placed have been classified into two main groups. The first group consists of the provinces of Balıkesir, Eskişehir, Ankara, Manisa, İzmir, Afyonkarahisar, Konya, Antalya, Denizli, Samsun, and Kayseri. The second group includes Adana, Gaziantep, Malatya, Trabzon, Diyarbakır, Erzurum, and Erzincan, which will be activated if needed.
EXPERTS WANT TESTING
According to a report by Ekol TV, experts emphasize the vital importance of evacuation plans, stating that these plans should be periodically updated and transparently communicated to the public. The necessity of testing the plans through drills and simulations to prevent potential chaos is highlighted.