After the two major earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, many people tragically lost their lives and numerous buildings in 11 provinces were destroyed by the tremors. Following the collapse of so many structures, the question on everyone’s mind became whether those buildings were earthquake‑resistant.
The two powerful quakes, measuring 7.7 and 7.6, caused widespread destruction and loss of life in Kahramanmaraş and many other cities. While the earthquake itself was the initial cause of destruction, investigations and experts indicate that noncompliance with seismic building codes and general structural weakness were significant contributors to the scale of the damage.
How can you determine if a building is earthquake‑resistant?
Relief and recovery efforts continue across the affected region, which includes Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman, Hatay, Malatya, Diyarbakır, Osmaniye, Kilis, Adana, Şanlıurfa, Gaziantep and Elazığ. As rescue and recovery proceed, renewed scrutiny on building safety has given rise to new questions about how structures were designed and built.
Even some buildings constructed after 2000 suffered severe damage, raising further concerns. There are established, professional assessment methods used to evaluate a building’s seismic performance. These include Building Performance Evaluation (Bina Performans Değerlendirmesi), Risky Building Identification (Riskli Bina Tespiti), and Preliminary Building Condition Assessment (Bina Durum Ön Değerlendirmesi). Such procedures, performed by qualified engineers, are the reliable way to determine whether a building is structurally sound and compliant with current earthquake regulations.
How can a homeowner tell if their house is resilient?
To accurately assess whether a house can withstand earthquakes, professional expertise is essential. However, homeowners can also look for several visible warning signs that suggest a building may be vulnerable and that a detailed inspection is warranted.
One of the primary indicators is the presence of visible cracks in columns and beams. In basements, particular attention should be paid to structural corners: diagonal cracks that flake or peel when touched can indicate corrosion or deterioration of reinforced concrete elements. These symptoms often point to compromised load‑bearing capacity.
Other common warning signs include: noticeable cracking in beams and columns, flaky or touch‑sensitive cracks in basement corners, unusual noises coming from columns or structural members (such as creaking or cracking sounds), doors that begin closing by themselves due to shifting frames, and cracks appearing along construction joints (derz). If any of these issues are observed, it is important to obtain expert evaluation and carry out comprehensive testing to determine the severity and cause.
A qualified structural engineer will perform a detailed inspection and may recommend further steps such as detailed structural analysis, material testing, or retrofitting measures to strengthen the building. Retrofitting options can include strengthening columns and beams, adding shear walls, improving foundation connections, or using modern reinforcement techniques—each chosen based on the building’s condition, construction type, and identified vulnerabilities.
For homeowners and building managers, proactive measures help reduce risk. Regular maintenance, prompt repair of visible damage, and ensuring any renovations follow current seismic codes are important. Keep records of construction dates, permits, and any past inspections, and ensure that any suspected structural problems are inspected immediately by a licensed professional.
In the aftermath of a major earthquake, authorities may organize formal damage assessments and classification of buildings to determine which are safe, which require repair, and which should be evacuated. These official surveys are crucial for public safety, but individual vigilance and timely expert consultation are also essential to protect lives and property.