Van commemorates 15th anniversary of devastating 2011 earthquake

Residents in Van and Erciş are marking the 15th anniversary of the massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the Tabanlı region on October 23, 2011. The disaster, followed by a 5.6 magnitude tremor on November 9, resulted in a total of 644 deaths and approximately 3,000 injuries.

Survivors and families of the victims gathered at cemeteries in Alkanat and Beyazıt neighborhoods to honor their loved ones. Many survivors shared accounts of the immense destruction, noting that in Erciş, nearly one-third of the district was reduced to rubble. Personal testimonies highlight the lasting emotional trauma, with families describing the loss of multiple relatives and the struggle to rebuild lives in the aftermath of the collapse.

Separately, Professor Gökhan Kılıç of İzmir University has issued warnings regarding seismic risks in İzmir. He noted that approximately 50 percent of the city's buildings date from 1999 or earlier, emphasizing the urgent need for urban transformation and structural reinforcement to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes on local soil types.