Istanbul Seismic Risk Mitigation and Emergency Preparedness Project (ISMEP)
K. G. Elgin · 2009
Istanbul is most vulnerable city because of its seismic-prone location nearby the North Anatolian Fault, and its high population and commercial/industrial densities. Taking into consideration that the probability of a major potential earthquake in next years will bring mass destruction in physical environment and economic sector with a high risk of life loss to Turkey, there is an urgent need to shift existing faith-oriented, reactive and recovery based policies into proactive, mitigative and preventive approaches. Istanbul Seismic Risk Mitigation Project (ISMEP) is a significant attempt to implement essential principles of comprehensive disaster management financed by the World Bank and European Investment Bank. The main objectives are to improve the city of Istanbul's preparedness for a potential earthquake through enhancing the institutional and technical capacity for disaster management and emergency response, strengthening critical public facilities for earthquake resistance, and supporting measures for better enforcement of building codes and land use plans. Accordingly, ISMEP Project consists of three (3) sub-components which are implemented through Istanbul Special Provincial Administration, Istanbul Project Coordination Unit.