Izmir seismic risk and earthquake anniversary

On the sixth anniversary of the October 30, 2020, earthquake near Seferihisar, which resulted in 117 deaths and over 1,000 injuries, discussions have focused on both remembrance and future seismic threats.

Experts, including Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir, have identified several active fault lines such as the Tuzla, Seferihisar, Gülbahçe, and Bergama faults. There are concerns that approximately 50 percent of the city’s building stock may be problematic. In response, the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and Dokuz Eylül University have launched an Earthquake Master Plan to map buildings and assess tsunami risks.

To mark the anniversary in 2026, a large-scale regional earthquake drill was conducted under the coordination of AFAD and Governor Süleyman Elban. The exercise simulated a 6.7 magnitude earthquake centered in Kemalpaşa, lasting 28 seconds, involving 2,198 personnel and 486 vehicles, including a helicopter. Search and rescue operations were simulated in Balçova, Buca, and Torbalı, while simulations also included chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear response at SOCAR Türkiye facilities in Aliağa. The drill spanned 43 districts across Izmir, Manisa, and Aydın, and included animal evacuation in Menemen and water rescue operations in Maltepe.

Commemorative events were held at the Bayraklı Earthquake Monument. While the İzmir Bar Association and local groups honored the deceased, legal representatives called for the completion of judicial proceedings regarding negligence in the 2020 disaster. AK Party Izmir Deputy Mehmet Kasapoğlu also issued a statement honoring the victims and thanking first responders, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring, the renewal of risky structures, and meticulous inspections. In Manisa, Fatih Köse of the Düşünce Rotası Association advocated for holistic urban transformation that prioritizes structural safety and community awareness. Additionally, the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality launched a project to distribute 500 earthquake preparedness kits and educational books to students in pilot schools.