ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER – November 2011
2500 EARTHQUAKES IN 33 DAYS
We still can't shake off the shock of the Van-Erciş Earthquake that occurred on October 23. The tremors are relentless. In the 33 days since the earthquake, nearly 2500 aftershocks have occurred, and the number of tremors continues to increase daily. As these earthquakes persist, we worry: will there be another Bayram Hotel disaster? This concern has caused the citizens of Van to consider abandoning their beloved city. There are many lessons to be learned from the tragic story of Van.
Van is ours; Vanlılar (the people of Van) are our own...
The earthquake that struck Van on October 23 could have easily occurred in Elazığ as well. We might have lost our lives, or perhaps loved ones. Having to leave one’s hometown feels like the peak of hardship. No one can guarantee that what Van’s residents are going through today won’t happen to us tomorrow. Therefore, let us be even more compassionate, more sensitive than ever before. Let us extend our helping hand to the people of Van, who are our fellow citizens.
Almost all of the public institutions' guesthouses have been allocated to the displaced citizens. Our government has mobilized all available resources. While there may be some shortcomings, when we unite our hearts and hands, is there any problem that cannot be solved? The charity of our nation is exemplary in the world, and it will continue to set an example. This generosity and hospitality should also be extended to those affected in Elazığ.
We must especially support university students who have been affected by the earthquake, both financially and emotionally. The disruption of their education would be an unacceptable blow to Elazığ’s future. There are certainly students around us who are facing difficulties, and if we don’t know any personally, we should reach out through our acquaintances. We know that many students came from Van with great difficulty to pursue their education, and for some, the burden has become even heavier. While not every Vanli student may face financial hardship, whether it’s one person or a thousand, aren’t they children of this country? For many, their challenges have grown since their sibling came to study with them. Let us show our sensitivity in this matter.
Let’s Transform Elazığ...
Work on urban transformation has not yet reached full clarity. However, everyone agrees on the necessity of urban transformation. All institutions and organizations should support this initiative. Urban transformation is not solely the responsibility of the Prime Ministry, the Ministry, or the municipalities. We are all a part of this process. Whether or not Elazığ will be one of the priority cities in urban transformation, I am not sure, but I am confident that we have the strength to carry out such a transformation with our own resources.
My greatest concern regarding urban transformation is the building inspection system. Before embarking on nationwide urban transformation projects, the deficiencies in the building inspection system must be addressed. These deficiencies could render sincere efforts meaningless or lead to disappointment in the coming years. Buildings do not behave according to their plans or the reports prepared on paper during an earthquake. They behave based on their construction and material conditions. A building designed with a C20 concrete grade will perform as if it were C10 during an earthquake if the concrete used was not properly mixed, or if necessary care was not taken during construction. As a result, it will sustain more damage than expected.
Who would say that my yogurt is sour?
In today’s world, where everyone thinks they know everything, we need people who first know themselves, are honest with themselves, and then are honest with their nation. In the buildings destroyed or severely damaged in the Van Earthquake, significant engineering deficiencies were identified. A person’s knowledge should not be limited to the day they graduated. Continuous education and development are inevitable. I would also like to emphasize that post-earthquake strengthening is a special treatment for buildings and requires expertise. If anyone attempts this without proper knowledge, it could lead to disastrous results, just like an incorrect medical treatment. Not everyone needs to know everything; we should show the wisdom to say “I don’t know.” Not knowing doesn’t harm anyone, but incorrect knowledge or pretending to know can lead to unimaginable harm.
Final Words:
Communities with a high level of civilization, those that focus on long-term goals and grand projects, are the ones whose homes are the safest places during earthquakes.