Number of provinces to support in a possible İstanbul earthquake rises to 23, Afyon also on the list

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has significantly strengthened its preparations for a possible İstanbul earthquake by updating the Turkey Disaster Response Plan (TAMP). The new draft, prepared in light of the experiences gained from major earthquakes in recent years, especially those centered in Kahramanmaraş, has been presented for public opinion. According to the new plan, the number of provinces that will initially provide support to İstanbul has been increased from 17 to 23. In this context, Afyonkarahisar has also taken its place among the provinces to be dispatched to the disaster zone with all its teams, personnel, and equipment. Authorities state that this increase aims to ensure a faster and more coordinated response during a crisis.

In addition to increasing the number of provinces that will support İstanbul in the new draft, the cooperation of institutions in these provinces is also taken as a basis. By planning the coordinated work of public institutions, municipalities, universities, private sector organizations, and professional chambers, it is aimed to prevent potential disruptions during a possible disaster. Twenty-three provinces from different regions of Turkey, such as İzmir, Ankara, Bursa, Antalya, Kayseri, Gaziantep, Trabzon, and Adana, will provide support to İstanbul with their local resources. Afyonkarahisar will hold critical importance on this list thanks to its logistical location, strong transportation network, and disaster response capacity. It is envisioned that search and rescue teams, health personnel, and logistical support elements from the city will be deployed.

Another important issue that stands out in the updated TAMP draft is the new regulation introduced regarding image sharing in disaster zones. Accordingly, it is aimed to prevent the sharing of images of disaster victims taken while they are injured, desperate, or crying without permission during rescue operations, funeral procedures, and aid distributions. This regulation is considered an important step taken to ensure that disaster victims do not suffer grievances and to protect their private lives. Additionally, ethical principles were clearly established by emphasizing that practices contrary to human rights and human dignity will absolutely not be allowed during disaster response and recovery efforts.

The draft text prepared by AFAD has been published to be shaped with the contributions of all relevant stakeholders. Institutions, universities, municipalities, private sector representatives, and professional organizations have a specific period to evaluate the plan. After these consultations are completed, the plan will be given its final form with the arrangements to be made and is expected to be officially put into effect. Authorities believe that this comprehensive consultation process will increase the applicability and effectiveness of the plan. Thus, it will be ensured that all units are prepared in a possible disaster scenario.

A possible İstanbul earthquake is one of the most critical issues that never leaves Turkey's agenda and whose preparations are constantly revised. Considering its population density and economic volume, it is predicted that a major earthquake in İstanbul will have effects not only regionally but also spread across the country. For this reason, increasing the number of supporting provinces to 23 and including Afyonkarahisar's logistical advantage in the plan are at the center of the strategy to minimize loss of life and deliver rapid aid to the region during a disaster. Such preventive and inclusive planning also makes a significant contribution to raising standards in disaster management.