1. Derece Deprem Bölgesi Uyarısı from Japon Deprem Uzmanı Moriwaki for Çanakkale

Japon deprem uzmanı Yoshinori Moriwaki announced that due to its geographical location, Çanakkale il lies in a highly critical earthquake risk belt. Moriwaki emphasized that the city's status as a birinci derece deprem bölgesi is not a coincidence, and that the density of active fault lines in the region directly increases this risk. He stated that in this seismically highly active geography, urgent measures must be taken to minimize the potential destruction of a major earthquake. Requesting authorities and the public to raise awareness on this issue, the expert stated that it is essential to move forward into the future more prepared by learning lessons from past disasters. In this context, he added that continuously and carefully monitoring the seismic activity in the region is of great importance for risk management.

Moriwaki, stating that thanks to developing technology and innovations in seismic measurement devices, many fault lines that could not be detected before have now become clearly visible, noted that this situation could redraw risk maps. This technological progress in earth sciences allows geologists and earthquake researchers to analyze underground structures in a much more detailed way. Thus, by detecting secondary fault lines that were previously overlooked or unknown, risk assessments are made much more comprehensive. Moriwaki, drawing attention to the need to review urban planning and infrastructure investments in the light of this new data, argued that scientific data should form the basis for all practical decisions. It is evaluated that these advantages provided by advanced radar and satellite imaging systems will make a great contribution to taking vital precautions before a potential disaster.

Perhaps the most crucial part of the expert's warnings is its indication of urban transformation and its emphasis on the importance of structural safety. Moriwaki stated that when building a safe future, the structural resilience and soundness of buildings must be prioritized above all else, rather than aesthetic concerns regarding exterior facades or square meter area. He argued that in a city located in an earthquake belt, focus should be placed not only on the appearance of the buildings, but also on their foundations and the quality of the building materials used. At this point, he stated that it is essential for local governments and contractors to ensure one hundred percent compliance with earthquake regulations during building construction processes. He expressed that the urgent transformation of the old and risky building stock will not only prevent buildings from collapsing but also significantly prevent loss of life during a potential earthquake.

It is a fact that a city as historically and strategically important as Çanakkale has to face the reality of earthquakes at any moment. The geological structure of the region has frequently experienced seismic fluctuations from the past to the present, and this situation has essentially determined the destiny of the city. These evaluations made by Moriwaki with his Japanese expert identity show how valuable the experiences gained over the years by Japonya, an earthquake country, are for Türkiye. It is known that the steps taken in Japonya regarding earthquake-resistant urbanization and public awareness also set an example for other earthquake zones worldwide. In this regard, it is envisioned that increasing international collaborations and information sharing will play a critical role in reducing regional earthquake risks.

As a result, these serious scientific warnings being taken into account by the relevant institutions and the public will be one of the most important steps that will shape the future of Çanakkale in terms of earthquake safety. Urban transformation projects must not only remain on paper but must be implemented rapidly and flawlessly in practice. Furthermore, the active participation of the local people in earthquake drills and their constant psychological and physical preparedness for such disaster situations are a great necessity. Moriwaki's insightful statements have once again revealed that a proactive defense line must be established against seismic risks. Because, rather than the urgent steps to be taken after earthquake disasters, the engineering and urban planning measures to be taken before an earthquake occurs are the greatest investment for every single life to be saved.