Turkey focuses on disaster risk reduction and urban resilience

Disaster management and risk reduction efforts are being prioritized across different regions in Turkey through specialized workshops and symposia.

In Kars, the Turkish Red Crescent provincial president, Kübra Hüryurt, presented at the II. IRAP Workshop. Focusing on the 2027-2031 period, Hüryurt emphasized that disaster management must shift from reactive crisis response to proactive preparedness. Key pillars for building a resilient Kars include strengthening local capacity, volunteerism, social support, education, and inter-institutional cooperation.

In Istanbul, the Kadıköy Municipality is hosting the “Integrated Disaster Criteria Kadıköy 2030 Symposium” in alignment with the Turkey Disaster Risk Reduction Plan (TARAP 2022-2030). The event involves various stakeholders, including AFAD, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, and several universities. Kadıköy Mayor Mesut Kösedağı highlighted that effective disaster management requires taking steps before a catastrophe occurs, noting the district's focus on structural safety and soil studies for construction.