16.10.2026 21:30
Evaluating the flood disaster caused by heavy rains that were effective in many provinces, especially Istanbul, Kocaeli, and Sakarya, AK Party Kocaeli MP Cemil Yaman drew attention to construction in streambeds and infrastructure deficiencies. Speaking on Haberler.com's live broadcast, Yaman emphasized that municipalities must take disaster risks into account in their zoning plans, while saying that Kocaeli is carrying out work that could set an example for Turkey in disaster preparedness.
The flood disasters that occurred after severe rainfall affecting many provinces, especially Istanbul, Kocaeli, and Sakarya, have once again brought to the agenda the question of how prepared cities are for disasters. Cemil Yaman, Deputy Chairman of the AK Party Central Headquarters Local Administrations and Kocaeli MP, made assessments on many issues, from the causes of the flood to the responsibilities of local administrations, on a Haberler.com live broadcast.
“OUR MUNICIPALITIES MUST CARRY OUT ZONING PRACTICES TAKING DISASTER RISK INTO ACCOUNT”
Conveying get-well wishes to the provinces affected by the flood, Yaman stated that Turkey faces various natural disaster risks due to its geographical location. Pointing out that flooding in Istanbul occurred especially in areas close to streambeds and valleys, Yaman said that these areas must be protected in urban planning.
Emphasizing that local administrations must consider possible disasters when making zoning decisions, Yaman used the following statements: “I do not want to get too involved in politics here, but our municipalities absolutely, absolutely must carry out zoning practices by taking this disaster risk into account.”
HE DREW ATTENTION TO HORIZONTAL ARCHITECTURE
Arguing that dense construction in cities must be reduced, Yaman stated that importance is given to horizontal architecture in the municipal approach led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Explaining that they are trying to limit high-rise construction in Kocaeli, Yaman said that buildings generally not exceeding five floors are preferred in the city, while two-and-a-half or three-story structures stand out in new residential areas.
Expressing that he supports the spread of detached houses and living spaces with gardens, Yaman stated that local administrators in particular must take steps to reduce concrete construction. Yaman noted that infrastructure work for rainwater drainage is also of great importance in this process.
“A STREAM FINDS ITS OWN BED, THEREFORE STREAMBEDS MUST NOT BE CONCRETED OVER”
Touching also on discussions about the adequacy of infrastructure systems after the flood disasters, Yaman stated that concreting over streambeds creates serious risks.
Drawing attention to the fact that natural waterways can reappear over time, Yaman said, “Nature waits for this thing for a certain period, but a stream definitely finds its own bed. Therefore, streambeds must not be concreted over.”
Emphasizing that rainwater lines must definitely be created in residential areas, Yaman pointed out the importance of designing existing lines with a capacity to handle the amount of precipitation that may fall on the region.
Saying that construction on streambeds in Kocaeli is avoided as much as possible and that importance is given to water drainage systems, Yaman stated that past flood disasters should be examined and precautions should be taken in advance in risky areas.
“MAYORS ARE THE DESTINY OF A CITY”
Mentioning the importance of cooperation between the central government and municipalities in combating disasters, Yaman stated that Turkey needs new legal regulations in this area.
Stating that joint work is carried out among institutions, Yaman said that, regardless of their political views, mayors play a decisive role in the future of cities.
Saying, “A mayor is the destiny of a city,” Yaman emphasized that long-term planning has become mandatory, especially in cities receiving heavy migration.
Stating that Kocaeli experiences a population increase of approximately 50,000 people each year, Yaman predicted that the city's population could exceed 3 million in the next 10 years. Noting that new residential areas will therefore be needed, Yaman said that these areas should be created in regions far from fault lines and streambeds.
Arguing that AK Party municipalities carry out successful work on urban planning and disaster preparedness, Yaman explained that mayors come together at regular intervals and share their experiences.
Stating that the problems faced by local administrations are evaluated at headquarters and regional meetings, Yaman said that disaster coordination work is also among the priority duties of municipalities.
Citing the disaster coordination center opened in Kocaeli's Dilovası district as an example, Yaman emphasized the need to be prepared for emergency situations.
“KOCAELI IS ONE OF THE MOST PREPARED MUNICIPALITIES IN TURKEY”
Arguing that Kocaeli is one of Turkey's leading cities in disaster preparedness, Yaman praised the work of Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tahir Büyükakın.
Reminding that Büyükakın previously held various positions in the governor's office and local administrations, Yaman stated that important work is being carried out, especially on earthquake preparedness, urban renewal, and identification of risky structures.
Also mentioning environmental work carried out in the Sea of Marmara and the Gulf of Izmit, Yaman said that an environmental project worth approximately 150 million dollars is ongoing in the region. Stating that a large amount of bottom sludge was removed from the gulf, Yaman argued that this work is being carried out without harming the environment.
Stating that the disaster preparedness and urban planning work implemented in Kocaeli should also be examined by other municipalities, Yaman said, “There is a Kocaeli model. I would like all our municipalities and metropolitan municipalities to see the Kocaeli model.”
“EVERYONE MUST PITCH IN”
Also assessing the measures that should be taken against possible new disasters, Yaman drew attention to the importance of meteorological warnings.
Stating that necessary warnings were made before the recent rainfall and that schools were closed, Yaman said that disaster preparedness is not solely the responsibility of public institutions.
Stating that citizens must take individual precautions in their homes and living spaces, Yaman emphasized that municipalities continuing their work to reduce infrastructure and disaster risks is among their essential duties.
Expressing that he finds AFAD's search and rescue and disaster management work successful, Yaman stated that the government and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey must also implement the necessary legal regulations.
Pointing to the importance of social solidarity in combating disasters, Yaman used the following statements: “Everyone must pitch in.”
Reminding that meteorological warnings continue, Yaman said that all institutions and citizens must be cautious so that new adverse events do not occur.