AKOM convenes with 'emergency' code

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake that occurred today around noon, with its epicenter off the coast of Silivri, caused brief panic in Istanbul. The tremor was felt across a large part of the Marmara Region, primarily in Istanbul. While aftershocks were recorded following the earthquake, an emergency meeting was held at the IMM Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), and important statements were made regarding the situation.

'NO LOSS OF LIFE OR PROPERTY'

IMM Head of Disaster Affairs Department Ergün Cebeci stated, “From the first minutes of the earthquake, we moved to AKOM with our colleagues on duty. As of now, there is no reported loss of life or property from the field.”

Cebeci also summarized the status of IMM-affiliated units with the following words:

"We do not have any problems regarding water supply at İSKİ. İGDAŞ does not have any issues regarding gas distribution. Our IETT lines continue to operate on their normal schedules. We implemented earthquake disaster procedures in the subways. We evacuated our passengers and ran our trains empty. It was determined that there were no problems with the viaducts. Currently, the subways are also operating on their normal schedules."

Cebeci noted that no damage was found during emergency checks conducted on municipal public buildings across Istanbul, and reported that there were no reports of loss of life or property in the field with the following words:

“As of now, there is no loss of life or property reported to us from the field following the earthquake, which we can describe as major, with an initial magnitude of 6.2 and a subsequent aftershock of 5.9.”

'OUR TEAMS ARE IN THE FIELD'

IMM Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan evaluated the process as follows:

“As a result of the system established by our Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, we received information from across Istanbul instantly. Our teams are in the field, and we are working in coordination with the Governor's Office.”

Conveying the initial assessments of the Scientific Committee, Aslan said, “As of now, there is no situation to be alarmed about. However, it is still beneficial to be cautious.” Warning the public against baseless information circulating on social media, Aslan said, “I warn all Istanbulites to be careful against false reports and posts on social media. They should pay attention to the statements of the Governor, myself, and our Secretary General. Any post other than those is not a situation to be taken into account.”

IMM officials stated that the fire department, municipal police, and technical units are in the field at full capacity, and reminded citizens that they can obtain information from the 153 Call Center.

News Source: 12punto