A meeting was held at the Presidency, chaired by President Ersin Tatar to discuss the risks of a potential earthquake and the precautions that should be taken, Kibris Postasi reports.
During the meeting, discussions covered topics such as “fault lines, earthquake maps, ground surveys, the condition of existing buildings, requirements for newly constructed buildings, legal regulations, pre-earthquake precautions, and inspection measures”.
In his address, President Tatar highlighted the uncertainty surrounding when and how an earthquake might occur. He noted that an earthquake committee was established within the Presidency in 2021 and that work had been ongoing since then.
President Tatar stressed that a major earthquake would affect the entire island. He shared that he had proposed cooperation with Southern Cyprus on earthquake research, but this offer was not accepted.
While affirming his commitment to economic growth and development, President Tatar warned of the risks posed by construction undertaken without the necessary studies. He explained that he convened the meeting to prepare a report on earthquake-related risks and to present it to the relevant authorities.
The President also underscored the importance of the meeting, which brought together a wide range of stakeholders. Participants shared their expertise, offering insights and recommendations within their respective fields.
Attendees included the Presidency Department Director, Osman Çağakan; Chairman of the Presidential Earthquake Committee and Geology Engineer, Prof. Dr. Cavit Atalar; Geology and Mining Department Director, Ayşen Albayrak; Meteorology Department Director, Sinan Güneş; President of the Chamber of Geoscience Engineers, Dr. Mehmet Necdet; President of the Chamber of Civil Engineers, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdullah Ekinci; President of the Chamber of Urban Planners, Berkay Ramiz; President of the Chamber of Architects, Onur Olguner; Chair of the Meteorology Department’s Seismology Division, Sevgi Karahan; and Geophysics Engineer, Dr. Hilmi Dindar.
