Maltepe building collapse triggers urban transformation and emergency aid

Following the partial collapse of a seven-story building in Maltepe, Istanbul, on October 8, which resulted in five deaths and multiple injuries, the Turkish government has announced significant relief and reconstruction measures.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül stated that approximately 9 million TL will be allocated through AFAD and the Governor's Office to meet the urgent and basic needs of the affected citizens.

To address the long-term housing crisis in the area, the Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Ömer Bulut, announced that an urban transformation project will be implemented by TOKİ (Housing Development Administration of Turkey). The government will offer residents three distinct options: utilizing the ‘Half is from Us’ (Yarısı Bizden) support program, participating in a TOKİ-planned transformation under Ministry supervision, or opting for ready-made urban transformation housing.

In addition to the collapsed Kardeşler Apartment, five surrounding buildings have been evacuated as a precaution. Risk assessments and core sampling will be conducted to determine the necessary scope of the reconstruction efforts in the Cevizli neighborhood.