Table of Contest

1.WELCOMİNG LETTER……………………………………………………………………………………..2
Introduction of the Committee……………………………………………………………………………...……3

Introduction of the Topic…………………………………………………………………………………………..3

Definition of Key Terms…………………………………………………………………………………………….4

2. THE TRUTH ABOUT EARTHQUAKE…………………………………………………………………6

2.1 History of Earthquake in Turkiye………………………………………………………………………….6

2.2 New Buildings Form…………………………………………………………………………………………9

3. WHY IS THE FIRST 72 HOURS IMPORTANT IN AN EARTHQUAKE?.....................9

4. POST EARTHQUAKE OPPORUNITIES AND HOW TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE……11
5. IMPACTS OF EARTHQUAKES…………………………………………………………………………12
5.1 Earthquake Impact on People…………………………………………………………………………..12

5.1.1 Short Term Impacts……………………………………………………………………………….13

5.1.2 Impact on Economy……………………………………………………………………………….13

5.1.3 Impact on Mental Health …………………………………………………………………………14

5.1.4 Depresssion After Earthquake…………………………………………………………………..14

5.1.5 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Earthquakes……………………………………15

5.1.6 Sleep Problems and Earthquakes……………………………………………………………….15

5.2 Earthquake Impact on Environment…………………………………………………………………….16

6.REBUILDING CITIES AFTER EARTHQUAKE………………………………………………….….19

7. POSSIBLE MARMARA EARTHQUAKE…………………………………………………………….20
7.1 Geology and Marmara Region……………………………………………………………………………20

7.2 The Effect of the Possible Marmara Earthquake on Türkiye…………………………………………22

7.3 What to Do For a Possible Earthquake in Marmara Region…………………………………………24

8. REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………………………..24
Letter from USG’s

Dear Delegates,
We are honored and delighted to welcome you to MUNIA'23, and specifically to
the captivating committee of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). As
Board Members of this committee, we are thrilled to meet you and to
collaborate with you throughout the conference, and to share with you our love
and passion for MUN conferences in general. We consider UNGA to be a unique
committee, with important tasks such as ensuring political, economic,
humanitarian, social and legal peace. However, this year's UNGA is even more
fascinating, as it will focus on a significant topic. We are confident that fruitful
debates will take place, and that you will stand for your opinions while always
keeping your country's policy in mind. As your Board, we kindly ask you to start
your personal research and preparation by carefully reading this Study Guide. If
you have any inquiries, we are always here to assist you. We are looking forward
to getting to know you personally and making UNGA of MUNIA'23 a truly
successful and productive committee.

Beyzanur ERBAY
Senanur ÇALIŞAN
Şeyma ÇAVUŞ
Eyüphan TOK

Under Secretary Generals

Introduction of the Committee
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
UNGA was established in 1945 under the Charter of United Nations. The General Assembly occupies
a central position as the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United
Nations. Comprised of all 193 Members of the United Nations, it provides a unique forum for
multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter. Also, it
plays a significant role in the process of standard-setting and the codification of international law.

Functions
According to the Charter of the United Nations, the General Assembly may- Consider and approve
the United Nations budget and establish the financial assessments of member states; Elect the
nonpermanent members of the Security Council and the members of other United Nations councils
and organs and, appoint the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Security Council;
Consider and make recommendations on the general principles of cooperation for maintaining
international peace and security, including disarmament; Discuss any question relating to
international peace and security; Initiate studies and make recommendations to promote
international political cooperation, realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and much
more.

Introduction of the Agenda Item

Agenda Item: Finding Possible Solutions and Taking Precautions to Earthquake in Turkiye
Turkiye is a country located on an earthquake belt and has experienced many major earthquakes
throughout history. Therefore, the reality of earthquakes is very important in Türkiye. In recent
years, the number of earthquakes and the damage they cause in our country has unfortunately
increased. This has led to many people losing their lives and properties. However, taking measures
against earthquakes can minimize these losses. Earthquakes in Türkiye can occur in various regions of
the country. Therefore, buildings must be earthquake-resistant, especially in areas where the
earthquake risk is high. For this reason, various regulations and laws have been enacted for the
construction of new buildings and the reinforcement of existing ones. In addition, taking precautions
during an earthquake is also very important. Not panicking during an earthquake and safely
evacuating buildings play an important role in preventing loss of life and injuries. Therefore, it is
necessary to educate citizens about earthquakes and raise awareness of how to behave during an
earthquake. In conclusion, the reality of earthquakes in Türkiye is a serious issue and it is possible to
minimize losses by taking measures. Therefore, citizens need to be aware of earthquakes and take
necessary precautions. Because of these heartbreaking facts as UNGA comittee we would like you to
take this problem serious and find efficient solutions.
Definition of Key Terms
EARTHQUAKE:

An earthquake is what happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another.

FAULT:

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock. Faults allow the blocks to move
relative to each other. This movement may occur rapidly, in the form of an earthquake - or may
occur slowly, in the form of creep. Faults may range in length from a few millimeters to thousands of
kilometers. Most faults produce repeated displacements over geologic time. During an earthquake,
the rock on one side of the fault suddenly slips with respect to the other. The fault surface can be
horizontal or vertical or some arbitrary angle in between.

Normal fault: A dip-slip fault in which the block above the fault has moved downward relative to the
block below. This type of faulting occurs in response to extension and is often observed in the
Western United States Basin and Range Province and along oceanic ridge systems.

Reverse (thrust) fault: A dip-slip fault in which the upper block, above the fault plane, moves up and
over the lower block. This type of faulting is common in areas of compression, such as regions where
one plate is being subducted under another as in Japan. When the dip angle is shallow, a reverse
fault is often described as a thrust fault.

Strike-slip fault: A fault on which the two blocks slide past one another. The San Andreas Fault is an
example of a right lateral fault.

SEISMOLOGY:

Seismology is the study of earthquakes and seismic waves that move through and around the Earth.

SEISMOLOGIST:

A seismologist is a scientist who studies earthquakes and seismic waves.

SEISMIC WAVES:

Seismic waves are caused by the sudden movement of materials within the Earth, such as slip along a
fault during an earthquake. Volcanic eruptions, explosions, landslides, avalanches, and even rushing
rivers can also cause seismic waves.

SEISMOGRAPH:

Seismographs are instruments used to record the motion of the ground during an earthquake.

SEISMOGRAM:

A seismogram is a record of the ground motions caused by seismic waves from an earthquake.

SEISMOMETER:

Seismometers record the vibrations from earthquakes that travel through the Earth. Each
seismometer records the shaking of the ground directly beneath it. Sensitive instruments, which
greatly magnify these ground motions, can detect strong earthquakes from sources anywhere in the
world.
MAGNITUDE:

Magnitude is the size of the earthquake

INTENSITY:

The intensity of an earthquake at a location is a number that characterizes the severity of ground
shaking at that location by considering the effects of the shaking on people, on manmade structures,
and on the landscape.

DEPHT OF FOCUS:

The depth of focus or focal depth is the depth at which an earthquake occurs. Earthquakes occurring
at a depth of less than 70 km (43 mi) are classified as shallow-focus earthquakes, while those with a
focal depth between 70 km (43 mi) and 300 km (190 mi) are commonly termed mid-focus or
intermediate-depth earthquakes.

2. THE TRUTH ABOUT EARTHQUAKE

Turkiye has some of the most active fault lines in the World. Because of this reason danger of
earthquake is high and happens reguarlly. This fault lines are ;

• North Anadolu Fault Line, this fault line is the most activeted one in Turkiye. Fault line starts
from Marmara sea to Blacksea. The most destructive earthquake is Golcuk earthquake.
• East Anadolu Fault Line, this fault line is the longest line in Turkiye. The most destructive
earthquake is Kahramanmaras earthquakes.
• West Anadolu Fault Line, this fault line lines in west side of Turkiye and Aegean Sea. The only
earthquake is Izmir earthquake.
2.1 HISTORY of EARTHQUAKE in TURKIYE
 1509 Istanbul Earthquake (7,2)

Because of how big the earthquake is people called this earthquake “Little Doom”. There is no
more specific information about these topic.

1939 Erzincan Earthquake (7,9)

In 27th December 1939 Erzincan Earthquake happened. In this earthquake 33 thousand people
died, 100 thousand people got injured and around 116 thousand buildings destroyed.

Erzincan earthquake is one of the biggest earthquake in World history. In the same time the
biggest earthquake in Turkiye. With this earthquake North Anadolu Fault Line discovered and Turkiye
started to see the real danger after earthquake.

1976 Caldiran Earthquake (7,5)

In 24th November 1976 epicenter on Van the ertquake happened. In this earthquake 3 thousand
840 people died, 9 thousand 232 people got injured and most of the buildings destroyed.

But earthquake wasn’t the only factor about people’s death. The wheater in that time was -17 C*
and because of this people had hypothermia. Also because of weather conditions rescue team had
really hard time.

1999 Golcuk (Kocaeli) Earthquake (7,4)

In 17th August 1999 epicenter on Golcuk the ertquake happened. The earthquake didn’t only felt
in Kocaeli it also effected Ankara-Izmir and Marmara region.

Impotence of this erthquake is it’s the longest earthquake happened in Turkiye. Officaly in this
earthquake 17 thousand 118 people died, around 25 thousand people got injured. 285 thousand 211
house and 42 thousand 902 office destroyed. In the 2010’s update the people who died in this
earthquake increased to 18 thousand 373.

1999 Duzce Earthquake (7,2)

In 12th November 1999 Duzce Earthquake happened. In this earthquake 894 people died, 2
thousand 679 people got injured and thousands of people became homeless. Golcuk earthquake
effected the fault line there and becuse of that this erthquake happend early. At the same time
Duzce earthquake felt in Ukraine too.
 2003 Bingol Earthquake (6,4)

In first May 2003 this earthquake happened. In

this earthquake t least 176 people had died, 625
building destroyed.

2011 Van Earthquake (7,2)

In 23rd October 2011 Van earthquake

happened. Not long after in 5th November
another earthquake happened in Van. This
earthquake’s size was 5,6. Both of the
earthquakes felt in Earth Andolu Region and they increased worry for people. In these earthquakes
601 people died, 1.966 people got injured and 252 people found fully healthy in wreck.

2020 Elazıg Earthquake (6,8)

In 24th January 2020 Elazıg earthquake happened. In this earthquke 41people died, more than a
thousand people got injirued. This earthquake felt from Malatya too.

2020 Izmir Seferihisar Earthquake (6,6)

In 30rd October 2011 this earthquake happened. In this earthquke 116 people died, a thousand
and 34 people got injirued.

2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes (7,8 and 7,6)

In 6th February 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake happened. After 9 hours second erthquake
happened. These earthquakes felt in South Easth of Turkiye and most of the Suria.

Kahramanmaras earthquakes are one of the biggest earthquake in World history too. This
earthquake took 50 thousand and 96 people’s life. And injrued 107 thousand 204 people. 1.205.000
buildings destroyed.
2.2 NEW BUILDINGS FORUM
After Golcuk earthquake goverment made a new law for building contrctors. This law includes: to
change/start using new rebars for strong structure, making sure building foundations are strong and
made in quality floor…

3. Why is the First 72 Hours Important in an Earthquake?

Everyone is in shock, especially in the first hours of disasters. Your personal information and
preparation are extremely important in order to keep our own health stable in the current situation.

Effective interventions in the first 72 hours after the disaster are of great importance in order to
minimize loss of life, injury, material and moral losses in disaster situations. For this reason, the first
72 hours after a disaster are considered 'golden hours'

What is the Golden Hour?

(Nowhere)In no part of the world, it is not possible for
health, fire and search and rescue teams to reach the
relevant region and individuals immediately after a
disaster. For this reason, it is essential for individuals to use
their knowledge in disaster situations. This is why the first
72 hours of the disaster are called the 'golden hour'.

What to Do After an Earthquake

• Don't panic! Once you start panicking, you start
making mistakes!
• Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first
aid for anyone who needs it.
• Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any
are damaged, shut off the valves. Check for the smell of
gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave
immediately, and report it to the authorities (use someone else's phone).
• Turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.
• In the first 72 hours after the earthquake, prepare a disaster and emergency bag where you
can keep your urgent needs and valuable documents until the relief teams reach you.
• Stay out of damaged buildings.
• Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting
your feet.
• Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
• Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches sometimes hit after the ground has stopped
shaking.
• Stay away from damaged areas.
• If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in
charge.
• Expect aftershocks.
Why First 72 Hours Are Crucial For Turkey-Syria Earthquale Rescues
Rescue efforts have reached a critical stage three days after Monday’s powerful earthquakes
which devastated southern Turkey and northern Syria.

More than 17,000 people have died after the 7.8-magnitude quake struck the southeastern Turkish
city of Gaziantep on Monday, followed by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in the Kahramanmaras
province shortly after.

More than 90 percent of survivors under rubble are found in the first 72 hours, according to experts.
With that three-day window closing early Thursday morning, the likelihood of rescuing people falls
with every passing hour.

But that number can vary significantly depending on the weather, aftershocks and how quickly
rescue teams and equipment can arrive at the scene -- all factors which are currently going against
efforts in Turkey and Syria.

Why This Time Frame Is So Important

Injuries, Temperature, Water

"Generally, earthquakes do not kill people, collapsing infrastructure kills people," The most pressing
factor is getting medical attention to people crushed under collapsed buildings before "their bodies
fail" or they bleed out.

Weather is also a key factor, and "it is completely against us" in Turkey and Syria. The quake-hit
regions have suffered through freezing temperatures as well as rain and snow since Monday.

"This very sadly means that hypothermia is possible, and people are probably unfortunately
perishing due to the weather,

"Those who do manage to survive the cold and their injuries still need food and water.

Without water, many people "will start dying at the three, four, five day mark,".

Aftershocks, which hit without warning in the days after an earthquake, can further collapse
buildings, posing "a huge and frightening risk" to both survivors and those trying to rescue them.

The quake-hit regions have been shaken by relentless aftershocks, including a massive 7.5 magnitude
tremor on Monday.

"We are at a critical point... Time is running out, hundreds of families are still stuck under the rubble.
Every second means saving a life," the White Helmets, the Syrian rescue service operating in rebel-
held areas of northwest Syria

4. Post Earthquake Opporunities and How to Provide Assistance

After a devastating earthquake, there are several opportunities for both individuals and
organizations to provide assistance and support. Here are a few ways to help:
 Donate to disaster relief organizations: Various organizations work to provide assistance to
affected communities after an earthquake. You can donate to these organizations to help those in
need provide basic needs such as food, water and shelter. Examples of these organizations are:

• AKUT (Search and Rescue Association)

• AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency)
• KIZILAY
• UNOCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)
• UNDP (United Nations Development Program)
• International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Volunteer: You can also volunteer your time and skills to help those affected by the earthquake.
You can assist with rescue and relief efforts, provide medical assistance, or assist with rebuilding
efforts.

Spread awareness: You can use social media and other platforms to spread awareness about the
impact of an earthquake and encourage others to donate and help those in need.

Support local businesses: Local businesses and economies can suffer after an earthquake. The
people living there and government officials, volunteers, etc. who go there to help. people can
support affected communities by purchasing goods and services from local businesses and
contributing to the local economy.

Engage in reconstruction efforts: You can help rebuild communities by participating in

reconstruction efforts, such as rebuilding homes and infrastructure.

It is important to note that different disasters require different types of assistance, and it is
important to do research and ensure that the assistance provided is what the affected communities
need and want.

1999 Earthquake Relief Efforts

The 1999 earthquake in Turkey, also known as the Marmara earthquake, was a devastating
earthquake that struck the northwestern region of the country on August 17, 1999. The earthquake,
which had a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale, caused significant damage to the region and
resulted in the loss of thousands of lives.

After the earthquake, Turkey's government and international organizations mobilized to provide aid
and support to the affected areas. The Turkish government set up a crisis center to coordinate the
relief efforts and provide support to those affected by the earthquake.

Emergency shelters were set up in the affected areas to provide temporary housing for those who
had lost their homes. Medical teams were also sent to the area to provide assistance to the injured
and sick. Additionally, food, water, and other essential supplies were delivered to the affected areas.

International aid organizations, including the Red Cross and the United Nations, also provided
significant assistance. The Red Cross set up emergency medical facilities and provided food and
water to those in need. The United Nations sent a team of experts to the area to assist with rescue
and recovery efforts.
 In the aftermath of the earthquake, Turkey also received significant financial assistance from the
international community. Donations from governments and individuals around the world helped to
fund the relief and recovery efforts.

Overall, while the 1999 earthquake in Turkey was a tragedy, the response from the Turkish
government and the international community was significant, and many resources were provided to
help those affected by the disaster.

5. Impacts of Earthquakes
5.1 Earthquake Impact on People
It is possible to classify the impacts of an earthquake by taking the following factors into account:

• short-term (immediate) impacts;

• long-term impacts;

• social and economic impacts (the impact on people);

• environmental impacts (the impact on the landscape).

5.1.1 SHORT TERM IMPACTS

Death and Injury

Earthquakes are not themselves deadly. What causes death is destruction of cities, structures
and ignorance. With ground shaking, fall down the structures that are not solid. With surface faults
on a road, cars and machines and people in them can be injured or killed. After a strong earthquake,
structures may be damaged or destroyed. People who might survive could be injured by parts of the
destroyed structures. People may be buried under the rubble due to the destruction. According to
the Turkish Ministry of Health, 24 hours after the severe earthquake in Maras, there were 1243 dead,
5 people were injured. After a month there was more than 30.000 death and injured people tens of
thousand.

Destruction of Structures and Affects to Social Life

As mentioned earlier, structures can be damaged by the magnitude of shaking on the

ground. In southeastern Turkey, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake damaged more than 50,000 different
buildings. Additionally, as a long term impact, the destruction of homes leads to widespread
homelessness, meaning that affected individuals are forced to take up residence in refugee camps.
Similarly, food and water supply in these camps are sparse. Since 1900, earthquakes have made
more than 65 million people homeless. According to reports from UN, 1.5 people lost their homes
and were left homeless after the earthquake magnitude 7.7. One more social problem caused by an
earthquake is the availability of vital resources in general and clean water supply in particular. Water
pipes can be ruined as a result of an earthquake, which can lead to water contamination thus making
it inapplicable.

5.1.2 IMPACT ON ECONOMY

Alongside devastating loss of live, natural disasters, such as ertquake, can inflict serious
damage on economies. They destroy equipment, buildings and infrastructure, and disrupt
production. But the precise extent to which these events affect economic output is widely debated.
Some experts argue that earthquakes (and natural disasters in general) have significant negative
effects on economic growth (Barro and Martin, 2003; Raddatz, 2009). Recent research also highlights
serious indirect effects, as the economic damage spreads through trade networks and supply chains
– something economists call ‘spillover effects’ (Teh et al, 2011; Ruta et al, 2021). But others find mild
or even positive effects on growth (Albala-Bertrand, 1993; Loayza et al, 2012; Porcelli and Trezzi,
2019; Skidmore and Toya, 2002). The economic impact of natural disasters, including these recent
earthquakes, depends on the destruction they cause, pre-existing economic conditions and the
ability of a country to reallocate its resources towards reconstruction (Hallegatte et al, 2022). Poorer
economies, such as those with lower levels of government spending and weaker institutions, are
more likely to experience larger negative effects on growth (Cavallo et al, 2013; DuRose, 2023;
Lackner, 2018; Noy, 2009; Toya and Skidmore, 2007).

5.1.3 IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH

Earthquakes and mental health are deeply connected. According to different studies,
earthquakes, like all other natural disasters, have wide-ranging adverse effects on mental health.
Earthquakes are unexpected traumatic life events and, thereby, extremely overwhelming. Even
though the primary rescue operations that are undertaken attend to the obvious physical damages, a
rise in mental health issues also starts to arise in the wake of an earthquake.

After major earthquakes, most of the people are under severe trauma and stress. A
significant part of these people are affected mentally and physically, but some of them
develop psychiatric disorders. Exposure to a trauma such as an earthquake may increase the
risk of developing a variety of psychiatric disorders and other medical conditions.1
Psychosocial consequences include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reactions of anxiety
and depression and sleep problems. 2 The most frequent symptom during the 6 months after
the earthquake is persistent remembering or “reliving” of the event; women have
considerably more often recurrent dreams of the earthquake and distress than do men.
Women and young adults at the time of the earthquake appear to be the most vulnerable
groups regarding the psychological effects of the event.

The researchers surveyed survivors two years after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Results
show that 94% reported experiencing subsequent insomnia symptoms after the disaster.
Two years later, 42% showed clinically significant levels of post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), and nearly 22% had symptoms of depression. There were significant positive
correlations between sleep disturbances and peritraumatic distress (i.e., emotional reaction
during and immediately after the event), PTSD, and symptoms of depression

5.1.4 DEPRESSION AFTER EARTHQUAKES

In a study conducted four months after the devastating 2015 Japan earthquake disaster by
the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health significant correlation was found between
earthquakes and depression. One out of every three adults suffered from depression and high levels
of anger. This study initiated an integral conversation regarding post-disaster care for mental health.
Another study connected by Xing Gao et al. 37 years after the Tangshan earthquake provided
evidence of long-term depressive disorders in survivors. Bereaved survivors over 18 at the time of
the earthquake showed symptoms of depression. The findings offer evidence in favor of the fact that
an earthquake’s impact on depression can last for more than a decade.

5.1.5 POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) AND EARTHQUAKES

Natural disasters, such as tsunamis and earthquakes, are often associated with a high
prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among victims. PTSD is defined in the fifth
edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) [2] as a psychiatric
disorder that may occur due to being exposed to or witnessing a traumatic event or may be acquired
indirectly by repeated exposure to details of a traumatic event. Death, injury to family members, and
property damage are risk factors associated with PTSD. There is a long-term association between
PTSD and the disaster experiences of earthquake victims. Scientists conducted a meta-analysis of 46
studies regarding earthquake survivors and discovered an overall 23.7% incidence of post-
earthquake PTSD in those individuals.

Researchers found that 42% of people showed clinically significant levels of PTSD in a study
conducted two years after the 2011 Haiti earthquake. Rescue operation team members and health
workers employed during earthquakes have also been found to have significant implications on their
mental health. All the evidence suggests the great importance of paying attention to the trauma-
inducing factors for the proper physical and mental well-being of earthquake survivors.

5.1.6 SLEEP PROBLEMS AND EARTHQUAKES

A plethora of individuals have reported sleeping problems in the wake of an earthquake.
Significant stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders are touted to be factors behind
sleeping issues among survivors. Sleep problems, such as insomnia, short sleep time, nightmares,
restless sleep, and daytime fatigue, are common in children and adolescents following the disasters.
Three years after the 2013 Ya'an earthquake, Tang et al. investigated the prevalence of sleep
problems among 6,132 adolescent survivors, and they found 23.1% of adolescents sleeping <7h per
night, 32.5% having difficulty initiating sleep, 24.2% having difficulty remaining asleep, and 25.3%
reporting poor sleep quality. Traumatic events can significantly disrupt individuals' sleep integrity and
continuity. Sleep-wake system is among the most vulnerable of regulatory mechanisms following
traumatic events. Traumatized survivors routinely exhibit marked sleep disruption, especially
nocturnal awakenings or hyperarousal, which have been hypothesized to be a pivotal mechanism
linking sleep problems and PTSD. In addition, sleep can process and store memories of affective
experiences while decreasing the emotional charge of memories. When sleep is disturbed, this
mechanism cannot function properly, resulting in over-consolidation of emotional component of
memories. The dysfunction may increase the susceptibility to developing PTSD. Extant research has
also supported the notion that sleep problems can predict PTSD symptoms over time.
 Sleep problems trigger diseases. In those who have irregular sleep problems, cardiovascular
diseases such as high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, endocrine and metabolic disorders such as
diabetes and goiter are common. These can cause heart attack, stroke, heart failure, memory
impairment and depression. Irregular sleep can cause cancer by lowering body resistance.

What should be made by the health organizations after the earthquake shock

• ensuring access to the most vulnerable and affected populations;

• providing immediate trauma care for injured people as well as post-trauma rehabilitative

care;

• providing essential medicines, emergency kits and supplies to fill urgent gaps;

• preventing and controlling disease outbreaks, including by strengthening disease

surveillance;

• increasing access to mental health and psychosocial support;

• coordinating the international health response, including the dispatch of Emergency

Medical Teams where requested; and

• ensuring access to essential health services, particularly for women, children, older people
and those living with noncommunicable diseases

5.2 EARTHQUAKE IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT

Ground Shaking

Ground shaking is a term used to describe the vibration of the ground during an earthquake.
Ground shaking is caused by body waves and surface waves. As a generalization, the severity of
ground shaking increases as magnitude increases and decreases as distance from the causative fault
increases.
Liquefaction

Liquefaction is when an earthquake takes place and shakes the wet soil. The energy released
by the earthquake causes the water within the soil (and rock) to rise up to the surface and can turn
the soil into a liquid mud.

As a result of this, foundations will be compromised and buildings will either sink or tip over.

Tsunamis

By far, the most destructive tsunamis are generated from large, shallow earthquakes with an
epicenter or fault line near or on the ocean floor. These usually occur in regions of the earth
characterized by tectonic subduction along tectonic plate boundaries. The high seismicity of such
regions is caused by the collision of tectonic plates. When these plates move past each other, they
cause large earthquakes, which tilt, offset, or displace large areas of the ocean floor from a few
kilometers to as much as a 1,000 km or more. The sudden vertical displacements over such large
areas, disturb the ocean's surface, displace water, and generate destructive tsunami waves. The
waves can travel great distances from the source region, spreading destruction along their path. For
example, the Great 1960 Chilean tsunami was generated by a magnitude 9.5 earthquake that had a
rupture zone of over 1,000 km. Its waves were destructive not only in Chile, but also as far away as
Hawaii, Japan and elsewhere in the Pacific. It should be noted that not all earthquakes generate
tsunamis. Usually, it takes an earthquake with a Richter magnitude exceeding 7.5 to produce a
destructive tsunami.

Most tsunamis are generated by shallow, great earthquakes at subductions zones. More than
80% of the world's tsunamis occur in the Pacific along its Ring of Fire subduction zones.

When a great earthquake ruptures, the faulting can cause vertical slip that is large enough to
disturb the overlying ocean, thus generating a tsunami that will travel outwards in all directions.
Surface Faulting

Surface faulting is the rupture of the Earth’s surface caused by an earthquake. It occurs along
the surface projection of faults and can involve different rocks and materials (loose soils, roads…).

Death and injuries from surface faulting are very unlikely, but casualties can occur indirectly
through fault damage to structures. It affects a long narrow zone whose total area is small compared
with the total area affected by ground shaking. evertheless, the damage to structures located in the
fault zone can be very high, especially where the land use is intensive. A variety of structures have
been damaged by surface faulting, including houses, apartments, commercial buildings, nursing
homes, railroads, highways, tunnels, bridges, canals, storm drains, water wells, and water, gas, and
sewer lines

Landslides

Past experience has shown that several types of landslides take place in conjunction with
earthquakes. The most abundant types of earthquake induced landslides are rock falls and slides of
rock fragments that form on steep slopes. Shallow debris slides forming on steep slopes and soil and
rock slumps and block slides forming on moderate to steep slopes also take place, but they are less
abundant. Reactivation of dormant slumps or block slides by earthquakes is rare.

WHAT TO DO FOR A POSSIBLE EARTHQUAKE IN MARMARA REIGON

Industrial enterprises and organized industrial zones in inner circle of Istanbul must be taken out of
Marmara region. For this circumstance appropriate areas must be prepared in Anatolia and this must
be supported by an authority.

Investments that will demand population in Istanbul must be stopped. Immigration from Istanbul to
Anatolia must be put on the fast track and governmentally encouraged.

Housing and public works must be limited and shouldn’t be warranted more buildings.
Understructure and building stock in Istanbul must be came under review. And those which are not
resistant must be reinforced to an earthquake.

Building examinations must be made immediately and directly by the government, non
arbitrarinessly.

6. REBUILDING CITIES AFTER EARTHQUAKE

Rebuilding cities after an earthquake can be a complex and challenging process that requires a
coordinated effort from various stakeholders. The following are some steps that can be taken to
rebuild cities after an earthquake:

Search and Rescue: The immediate priority after an earthquake is to search for survivors and provide
emergency medical assistance. Once this phase is completed, a damage assessment can be
conducted to identify the extent of the damage and determine the areas that require immediate
attention.

Planning: After a thorough assessment of the damage, a plan should be created to guide the
rebuilding process. The plan should include the reconstruction of critical infrastructure such as water
supply, power, and communication networks. It should also consider zoning regulations and building
codes to ensure that the new buildings are safe and resilient.

Funding: Rebuilding cities after an earthquake requires substantial funding. governments, charities
and private donors can provide the necessary funds to rebuild the city. This could fund rebuild
damaged infrastructure, provide housing and job opportunities to those who have lost their homes.

Examples of these organizations in Turkey are:

• AKUT (Search and Rescue Association)

• AHBAP (Anatolian People and Peace Platform)
• AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency)
• KIZILAY

Community Involvement: The rebuilding process should involve the community to ensure that their
needs and concerns are addressed. The community should be involved in decision-making, planning,
and implementation of the rebuilding process. This will help to create a sense of ownership and
responsibility for the new city.

Rebuilding Green: Rebuilding cities after an earthquake provides an opportunity to incorporate

green building practices. The use of renewable energy sources, sustainable building materials, and
efficient infrastructure can reduce the carbon footprint of the new city and make it more resilient to
future disasters.

Monitoring and Evaluation: After the rebuilding process is completed, it is important to monitor and
evaluate the effectiveness of the new infrastructure and buildings. This will help to identify any areas
that require further attention and ensure that the new city is safe and resilient. As an example: As a
result of the monitoring and evaluations made after the 1999 Turkey earthquake, it has been
observed that the buildings built after this date are generally more robust.

Rebuilding a city after an earthquake is a challenging process that requires a coordinated effort from
various stakeholders. However, with proper planning, funding, and community involvement, it is
possible to create a new city that is safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Building practices in Turkiye: As it is known, Turkiye is an earthquake country. There have been
earthquakes that brought great destruction in Turkiye. An example of these is the 1999 Türkiye
earthquake. Cities that were destroyed in this earthquake, such as Izmit, were built using various
building materials and construction techniques. Most of the buildings destroyed during the
earthquake are old structures that were not built to withstand strong earthquakes.

In particular, many of the buildings were constructed using unreinforced masonry (URM), which is a
type of construction that involves using brick or stone walls without any additional structural
support. URM buildings are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because they can easily collapse
when subjected to strong shaking.

After the earthquake, there was a major effort to rebuild the affected areas using safer and more
earthquake-resistant building practices. This involved a combination of retrofitting existing buildings
and constructing new buildings using modern seismic design standards.

The new buildings were typically designed to be more flexible and ductile, which means they can
better withstand the lateral forces generated by earthquakes. In addition, they were often built using
reinforced concrete, which provides additional structural support.

Overall, the rebuilding efforts focused on improving the resilience of the built environment to future
earthquakes, with the goal of reducing the risk of similar disasters in the future.

7. POSSIBLE MARMARA EARTHQUAKE

7.1 GEOGOLY of MARMARA REGION

The metamorphic-crystalline massifs manifested in the mountains plays a huge role in the tectonic
development of Anatolium. Thus is kinda makes Anatolium’s skeloton. These metamorphic-
crystalline massifs are in different streams such as gneiss, micaschist, quartzite and marble. It
consists of basic and acid composition crystalline rocks.

In terms of their structure they are "massive"a rigid resistance to tectonic deformations are
considered as a factor. This strong ground type only exist in Ulu Mountin and Kaz Mountains in
Marmara region. Other than metamorphic-crystalline massifs some of the ground type of Marmara
Region’s are pressured by Chile’s plazoic mass and some of these are karst.

Major faults occupying an important place in the tectonic structure of Anadolu. According to the
movement direction of the blocks, as “slop-slip” and “strike-slip”. First, it can be divided into two
groups.

Slopes represent vertical or vertical movements and are called "normal" and "reverse" faults.
Typical examples of these on a large scale are Marmara and on the sides of Marmara Sea and around
the Gulf of Edremit.
 Strike-slip faults, which are included in the second group, are generally represent their movements
and attract attention with their extra length. These are classical example, which has become well
known and has passed into the world literature, is the "North Anadolu Earthquake Fault”

The North Anadolu Earthquake Fault does not consist of a single plane, but many 'system' made up
of parts constitutes a 'zone'. Every severe or destructive earthquake that occurs in North Anadolu,
some of these fault segments are damaged. The blocks on both sides of the fault are in contact with
each other slightly.

Some of the observed and identified faults in Turkiye are “active” and the most of them were
formed during the last geological ages. They have continued their activities since then. Most of the
grabens are also active, their bottoms are slowy subsiding. Active dip-slip faults and grabens in
Marmra Region’s are : Marmara Sea; the Gulf of Saros, Edremit and Izmit. In the first degree
earthquake zones, which devastating tremors occurred in Turkey. Most of the places that have
actived faults are: Edirne environs in Ergene basin, Gelibolu half-island-Marmara-İzmit gulf; Erdek-
Bandırma-Gemlik gulfs, Lake Iznik and its surrounding, Yenice-Gönen-Manyas-Karacabey zone; Bursa
Yenişehir plains; Edremit gulf, Balıkesir-Simav basins,

Most of geologist made a research about “Which fault system has giant energy inside of?”. The
answer was: In first we see North Anadolu fault system and in second Marmara Fault system.

7.2 THE EFFECT OF THE POSSIBLE MARMARA EARTHQUAKE ON TURKIYE

The possible Marmara earthquake will not only affect Istanbul .

This earthquake will severely affect all the provinces bordering the Sea of Marmara. This earthquake
will affect 28 million and will cause a lot of damage to Turkey's economy; According to national and
international scientific studies, there may be a maximum of 7.6 magnitude earthquake above 7 in the
Sea of Marmara. Therefore, both the cost and losses of this earthquake will be higher than the
Gölcük Earthquake.
Earthquakes have shifted from east to west on the North Anatolian Fault Line since 1939

The Mürefte Earthquake on August 9, 1912, on the western end of the North Anatolian Fault Line,
and the Gölcük Earthquake on August 17, 1999, on the east end, and the middle part of the line was
stretched. It is now expected that the middle of the fault line will break and the "Great Marmara
Earthquake" will occur.

Buildings

Mw= The average of 57% of the buildings in Istanbul in the scenario earthquake of magnitude 7.5 it
is estimated that it will not be damaged. On average, 26% of the buildings are light, 13% are medium,
it is expected that 3% of them will be severely
and 1% will be very severely damaged.
Analyzed in Istanbul the total number of
buildings is 1,166,330. The average of
buildings in Istanbul during the scenario
earthquake it is estimated that 17% (about
194,000 buildings) will be damaged at
medium and above level. About 972,000
buildings are expected to be undamaged or
slightly damaged.

Debris assessment
Calculations made indicate that a debris weighing
25 million tons may appear after the scenario
earthquake in Istanbul.

High-rise buildings
The assessments made for high-rise buildings
(buildings with a number of floors of 20 and
more) in the Istanbul building inventory indicate that on average, 78% of such buildings will not
exceed the maximum relative floor displacement rate limits with a probability of 50%. This is an
indicative estimate made by looking only at how many floors tall buildings have and their
construction years, and it is an initial assessment

Financial losses due to structural damage

It can be expected that the financial losses due to structural damage will be in the order of 68 Billion
TL on average. Taking into account the losses due to non-structural damages, it is estimated that the
financial loss will be realized at the level of TL 120 billion. This estimate is valid for the Mw=7.5
scenario earthquake.

Estimates of the number of casualties and injured

In the event of a scenario earthquake of Mw=7.5 magnitude occurring at night, in Istanbul it has been
estimated that an average of about 14,150 casualties may occur. The expected loss of life in the
event of an earthquake during daylight hours is about 12,400 on average. Night about 8,100 people
are expected to be seriously injured in the earthquake and 7,450 people are expected to be seriously
injured in the daytime earthquake. In addition, estimates of the number of injured people who need
to be treated in hospital conditions are 39,650 for a night earthquake and 37,500 for a daytime
earthquake October.

Urgent housing need

It can be estimated that approximately 640,000 households will need emergency shelter after the
Mw=7.5 scenario earthquake in Istanbul. With the acceptance of a population of 3 people per
household, it is expected that about 2,000,000 people will be in urgent need of housing.

Infrastructure
It is estimated that repair needs may occur at 355 points throughout the city in IGDAŞ pipelinesIt is
estimated that about 60% of IGDAŞ stations will not be damaged or slightly damaged as a result of
the scenario earthquake. About 40% of the stations can be expected to be damaged at a medium and
higher level, mainly medium. it is possible that around 86,500 natural gas service boxes located in
damaged buildings on the middle and higher levels will be disabled

It has been calculated that the need for repair may occur at 463 points in the scenario earthquake in
the ISKI water network and at 1045 points in the wastewater network. These figures refer to the total
number of repair needs calculated per cell, rather than the number of individual cases of leakage or
breakage that will occur in drinking water or wastewater pipelines.

It is expected that 95% of the transmission lines of the Istanbul electricity network will survive the
earthquake scenario undamaged or slightly damaged. Moderate damages can be expected in 5% of
the network. It is estimated that 69% of the substations will be undamaged and slightly damaged,
while up to 31% of the substations will receive moderate damage and above damage.

Road closure analysis

Especially in the historical peninsula where there are single and double lane roads, in the districts
neighboring Fatih district, in districts such as Beyoglu, Sisli, Alieykoy, Zeytinburnu it is predicted that
single and double lane roads may be closed depending on building damage at up to 30 points per cell
from place to place. The complete closure of three and more lane roads is not expected to be closed,
and partial closures may occur on these roads.
Damage conditions of buildings according to their functions
More than 60% of commercial areas, industrial and manufacturing facilities, and accommodation
facilities are located in regions where the greatest ground acceleration is greater than 0.2g.
Education and culture about 50% of its institutions, health and sports facilities and religious
institutions are also located in this location movement zone. These ground movement levels are at a
level that may cause damage to buildings during an earthquake, depending on the damageability of
the building.

7.3 WHAT TO DO FOR A POSSIBLE EARTHQUAKE IN MARMARA REIGON

Industrial enterprises and organized industrial zones in inner circle of Istanbul must be taken out of
Marmara region. For this circumstance appropriate areas must be prepared in Anatolia and this must
be supported by an authority.

Investments that will demand population in Istanbul must be stopped. Immigration from Istanbul to
Anatolia must be put on the fast track and governmentally encouraged.

Housing and public works must be limited and shouldn’t be warranted more buildings.

Understructure and building stock in Istanbul must be came under review. And those which are not
resistant must be reinforced to an earthquake.

Building examinations must be made immediately and directly by the government, non
arbitrarinessly.
8. REFERENCES

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zg9h2nb/revision/5
• https://studycorgi.com/earthquakes-impacts-on-society/
• https://disasterphilanthropy.org/disasters/2023-turkey-
syriaearthquake/?gclid=CjwKCAjw5dqgBhBNEiwA7PryaMKkE2J5LNxsASkq5fEBjg9UfwMRFR08AZr
gJCV3TrK3uLmxhvYtjxoCOiwQAvD_BwE
• https://www.economicsobservatory.com/what-is-the-likelyimpact-of-the-earthquakes-on-economic-
growth-in-turkiye
• https://yourmentalhealthpal.com/earthquakes-and-mental-health/
• https://journals.lww.com/jonmd/Abstract/2008/04000/The_Psychological_Impact_of_a_Catastrophi
c.13.aspx
• https://web.archive.org/web/20220501143318id_/https:/dergi.totbid.org.tr/uploads/pdf_1160.pdf
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29754117/
• https://aasm.org/disturbed-sleep-mental-health-earthquake-survivors/
• https://yourmentalhealthpal.com/earthquakes-and-mental-health/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212420922004447#:~:text=There%20is%20
a%2
• https://yourmentalhealthpal.com/earthquakes-and-mental-health/
• https://yourmentalhealthpal.com/earthquakes-and-mental-health/
• https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.577328/full
• https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/09-03-2023-dealing-with-the-psychological-aftershocks-of-
the-t-rkiye-earthquakes--why-mental-health-and-psychosocial-support-are-so-desperately-needed
• https://perigeo.uninsubria.it/geolympics-4-surface-faulting/#page-conten
• https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/what-are-effects-earthquakes
• https://www.dunya.com/gundem/olasi-istanbul-depremi-icin-7-maddede-alinmasi-gereken-onlemler-
neler-haberi-689503
• https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
• https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-
hazards/scienceearthquakes#:~:text=An%20earthquake%20is%20what%20happens,the%20fault%20o
r%20f ault%20plane.
• https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-a-fault-and-what-are-differenttypes
• https://www.mtu.edu/geo/community/seismology/learn/seismologystudy/#:~:text=What%20is%20S
eismology%3F,studies%20earthquakes%20and%20seismic%20waves.
• https://www.bgs.ac.uk/discovering-geology/earth-hazards/earthquakes/how-
areearthquakesdetected/#:~:text=Seismometers%20allow%20us%20to%20detect,big%20a%20partic
ular %20earthquake%20is.
• https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/earthquake-magnitude-energy-release-
andshakingintensity#:~:text=Magnitude%20is%20the%20size%20of%20the%20earthquake.&text=The
% 20shaking%20that%20it%20causes,surface%20material%2C%20and%20other%20factors.
• https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/modified-mercalli-
intensityscale#:~:text=The%20intensity%20of%20an%20earthquake,structures%2C%20and%20on%20
the%2 0landscape.
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_focus_(tectonics)