ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER – February 2011
DISASTER AND URBAN TRANSFORMATION
Countries that face earthquake risks must never forget this reality, even for a moment. Since the location, time, and intensity of earthquakes are unpredictable, precautions should be swift, and solutions must be lasting. Turkey is confronted with a massive building stock that is inadequately resistant to earthquakes. The most logical solution, which has become a topic of frequent discussion, is urban transformation. Urban transformation refers to the process of redesigning and rebuilding cities' infrastructure (such as sewage, drinking water, and gas networks) as well as the superstructure, including residential and commercial buildings. This article addresses the costs of urban transformation and the potential costs of post-earthquake recovery efforts.
Is urban transformation necessary? Who knows when the next earthquake will strike? Could it even be in Elazığ? Many people ask these questions that already have well-known answers. Elazığ is constantly shaking! This isn’t just our claim, but it’s what Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute is saying. Just because we don’t feel the tremors doesn’t mean there wasn’t an earthquake. The fact that some of these earthquakes have been mild does not mean that we are exempt from the devastation of a stronger earthquake. When that day comes, it will be too late to make the necessary preparations for buildings with insufficient earthquake resistance.
During the process of urban transformation, it is not a loss for the state and citizens, but rather a gain. Large housing projects should not be constructed in newly developed areas on the outskirts of cities. Instead, new zoning regulations should be applied to existing residential areas. This would allow for the renewal of buildings, the adjustment of infrastructure, and the expansion of streets. Additionally, the private sector can make these areas more attractive through zoning adjustments.
It’s not the number of floors, but poor construction that kills in an earthquake. Well-designed, regulation-compliant, and controlled high-rise buildings should not be a concern in terms of earthquake safety. No building has collapsed just because it had multiple floors. Particularly in older neighborhoods, site constructions by the private sector will undoubtedly open the door to urban transformation.
As shown, urban transformation prevents both financial and human losses. However, if these precautions are not taken and an earthquake strikes, we already have a history full of such examples. Earthquakes not only shake buildings but also economies, and they can destroy not only people but also the future of the country.
Since 1900, over 150 destructive earthquakes have occurred in Turkey. The 17 August 1999 earthquake, which is etched in our memories, resulted in 17,479 official casualties, 43,953 injuries, and 66,441 heavily damaged houses. Other notable earthquakes like the 1967 Adapazarı, 1971 Bingöl, 1983 Erzurum, 1992 Erzincan, 1995 Dinar, 1998 Adana Ceyhan, 1999 Gölcük and Düzce, and 2003 Bingöl earthquakes have all revealed that the existing building stock is insufficient in terms of earthquake resistance.
Risk assessments should be made not only for earthquakes but also for all natural disasters in the regions. Especially when it comes to earthquakes, comprehensive studies must be conducted on building stocks to ensure they are resilient.
The European Union’s principles on sustainable urban development and renewal emphasize the need for countries to adhere to specific goals. These include:
- Increasing economic development and employment opportunities in towns and cities,
- Promoting equality and social participation in urban areas,
- Protecting and improving the urban environment,
- Contributing to good governance.
Earthquakes are not just a local problem for one city but a national issue for the entire country. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to say that local efforts alone can provide a definitive solution. However, local initiatives are crucial as they provide guidance on how to address specific issues, given the economic and social differences across regions.
Elazığ’s Aspiration:
Elazığ, our country’s jewel, is already a "big city" in our hearts due to its social, cultural, economic, and tourist potential. To turn this dream into a reality, we invite all Elazığ lovers to join the effort. Together, we can be the change. Let’s go, Elazığ!