Minister Kurum: 'Just like the building in Konya, 600 thousand buildings could collapse at any moment!'

Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum has made alarming statements regarding a potential Istanbul earthquake, about which experts frequently reiterate their warnings. Attending a symposium on the February 6 earthquakes held at the Presidential Communications Directorate, Kurum stated the following: 

"Today, our Istanbul, in particular, does not have the strength to withstand a new earthquake. Unfortunately, not only Istanbul but our country as a whole does not have the strength to withstand such an earthquake. 1.5 million of the 7.5 million residences and workplaces in Istanbul are under high risk. Sadly, millions of our fellow Istanbulites are living in 600 thousand homes that could collapse at any moment, just like the building in Konya. That is why I say we must further accelerate the transformation projects we have initiated in Istanbul. As the state, we are trying to do our part with sincerity and effort. To date, we have completed the transformation of 907 thousand independent units in Istanbul."

'AEGEAN EARTHQUAKES ARE A MESSAGE TO US'

Speaking about the countless earthquakes that have occurred in the Aegean Sea since January 28, Kurum used the following expressions: 

"These earthquakes are concentrated in a region where there is a volcano 6.5 kilometers northeast of Santorini Island in the Aegean. Similar intense seismic activity was experienced in the same region in 2011-2012, but it did not lead to any volcanic activity. Now, similar activity has begun again and is causing tremors. What is important for us is the message given both by buildings that collapse on their own and by these unceasing tremors. This message is clear. Both events have once again shown us how urgent our struggle for earthquake preparedness is and what a major national security issue it is."