Istanbul's post-earthquake evacuation plan: Transit points and alternative routes

The 6.2 magnitude earthquake that recently occurred in Istanbul has once again highlighted the importance of the evacuation plans prepared for the megacity. According to scenarios prepared by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, 237 bridges and viaducts will serve as critical transit points in the evacuation of Istanbul.

According to the report on TGRT Haber, the evacuation scenarios planned for Istanbul have returned to the agenda.

A detailed earthquake action plan has been created under the coordination of the Ministry of Interior, with contributions from the Istanbul Governorship, AFAD, the Provincial Gendarmerie Command, and other public institutions.

EVACUATION BY SEA

The evacuation plan anticipates the departure of hundreds of thousands of citizens from the city. For this purpose, 23 evacuation areas have been established.

For evacuations to be carried out by sea, the Sirkeci Ferry Terminal, Yenikapı Sea Bus Terminal, Pendik High-Speed Ferry Terminal, İstinye Pier, Harem Ferry Terminal, and Zeytinburnu Zeyport Port will be operational. City Line ferries, sea buses, Coastal Safety vessels, and maritime units affiliated with the Coast Guard will facilitate the evacuation of citizens from these points.

EVACUATION BY ROAD

Three key points have been designated for evacuations via railway: Yeşilköy, Halkalı, and Tuzla Train Stations.

For road evacuations, the Esenler, Alibeyköy, Samandıra, and Harem bus terminals will be used as evacuation exit hubs. Citizens will be transported to these areas via shuttle services.

EVACUATION BY AIR

Air travel has also been included in the evacuation process.

Istanbul Airport, Atatürk Airport, and Sabiha Gökçen Airport will play an active role in the evacuations. This will ensure that all transportation options are offered to citizens wishing to leave the city.

In terms of evacuation priority; individuals with disabilities, the elderly, children, and women will be evacuated first. Local governments and security units will provide guidance to citizens during the evacuation process.

PROVINCES WHERE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS WILL BE SENT

The provinces where earthquake victims will be temporarily placed have been classified into two main groups. The first group consists of the provinces of Balıkesir, Eskişehir, Ankara, Manisa, İzmir, Afyonkarahisar, Konya, Antalya, Denizli, Samsun, and Kayseri.

The second group, which will be activated if needed, includes Adana, Antep, Malatya, Trabzon, Diyarbakır, Erzurum, and Erzincan.