After Turkey recently experienced devastating earthquakes again, people are once more researching what precautions to take, what to know, and other essential details—often only after a quake has occurred.
Following the latest tremors, citizens have begun searching for designated earthquake assembly areas to minimize their risk. AFAD’s earthquake assembly locations can be easily accessed through the e-Devlet portal.
HOW TO FIND EARTHQUAKE ASSEMBLY AREAS
Knowing assembly areas before an earthquake and being able to reach them quickly during an emergency is vital. After the recent powerful earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş, one of the most destructive quakes in the history of the republic occurred.
In regions where aftershocks continue intermittently, those who want to learn about local assembly areas can do so easily via e-Devlet. Log in to e-Devlet with your Turkish ID number and e-Devlet password, then type “Afet ve Acil Durum Toplanma Alanı Sorgulama” into the search box to query AFAD’s designated assembly areas.
WHY EARTHQUAKE ASSEMBLY AREAS MATTER
Under AFAD’s planning, safe gathering points have been designated in provinces, districts, and neighborhoods for use in the event of an earthquake. These sites are selected for their relatively low risk and provide safer locations for people to wait until it is secure to return indoors.
Assembly areas are critically important after major quakes to protect people from aftershocks, prevent being trapped under debris, and allow emergency services to operate more effectively. Every neighborhood should have clearly identified and accessible assembly points.
AVOID RETURNING TO HOMES IMMEDIATELY
Experts warn that people should avoid re-entering buildings for some time after an earthquake. Even if damage is not visible to the naked eye, it can be unsafe to go back inside immediately following strong shaking.
Particular caution is advised for structures that have sustained damage. After the initial quake centered in Pazarcık, Kahramanmaraş, the shaking was strongly felt across ten provinces. Subsequent aftershocks and another event in Elbistan accentuated the widespread and severe impacts felt throughout Turkey.