Topics & Events

H.E. Suleyman SOYLU, The Minister of Interior

The meeting titled "Disaster Risk Reduction and Earthquake" was held on March 09, 2020 in Ankara in cooperation with the Interior Ministry, Municipalities Union of Turkey and JICA. The purpose of the meeting was to evaluate studies on earthquake and other natural driven disasters in the municipalities as well as JICA expert, Mr. Shoji Hasegawa's presentation on "Japan's Experience in Disaster Risk Reduction"

The meeting started with the opening remarks of the Minister of Interior, H.E. Suleyman SOYLU. He stated that AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency) has succeeded in establishing a disaster management strategy of Turkey that has three components; 'pre-disaster', 'disaster moment' and 'post-disaster' normalization of life activities, however some updates are still needed to develop. He also underlined that Turkey needs to enhance the capacity of carrying out disaster oriented drills in public which is very common in Japan, and needs to increase the number of volunteers for search and rescue activities.

H.E. Akio MIYAJIMA, the Ambassador of Japan to Turkey

H.E. Akio MIYAJIMA, the Ambassador of Japan to Turkey delivered opening remarks. He stated that Turkey and Japan are similar countries especially in earthquake subject, these two countries extended support to each other in the past, and Japan is pleased to share its earthquake experience with Turkey.

H.E. Fatma VARANK, Deputy Minister of Environment and Urbanization

H.E. Fatma Varank, Deputy Minister of Environment and Urbanization, made a speech about the earthquake studies of the Ministry. Stating that they had a very intensive work with the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) after recent Elazig earthquake. She underlined the importance of identification of risky areas and suggested all mayors to prepare their strategic plans for urban transformation.

Mr. Shoji HASEGAWA's presentation

Mr. Shoji HASEGAWA's presentation was about "Japan's Experience in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)". His presentation was simultaneously translated into Turkish. He gave detailed information about Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies including the establishment of regional DRR plans in their municipalities which are applied in Japan and basic principles of DRR.

Experience sharing of mayors

Dr. Mehmet GULLUOGLU, the President of AFAD shared AFAD's activities and details of disaster management strategy of Turkey. Then he moderated another session for the experience sharing with the mayors of Malatya, Sakarya, Duzce, Elazig, Esenler, Gaziosmanpasa and Governor of Antalya.

Audiences

In the afternoon session, JICA Ex-participants, Prof. Dr. Alper ILKI from Istanbul Technical University and Mr. Vedad GURGEN, Director General of Infrastructure and Urban Transformation Services made presentations about building stocks and urban transformation needs of Turkey.