In February 2024, a strong earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck southeastern Turkey, causing the collapse of a large number of buildings, hundreds of people were killed, and countless others were injured. After the disaster, rescue operations were urgently launched, and we need to think more deeply about how to deal with such disasters and build a strong defense line for the future.
1. Pre-earthquake prevention
Seismic design: Local building codes must strictly follow or even exceed seismic standards. Adopt a resilient structural system, such as installing dampers in high-rise buildings to reduce the transmission of seismic energy; ensure that the foundation of the house is stable, such as the pile foundation is deep into the solid soil layer to prevent the foundation from liquefying and causing the building to tilt. Regularly conduct seismic assessment and reinforcement of old buildings, especially masonry houses, add reinforcement components such as ring beams and structural columns to improve overall stability.
Popularization of the public: Conduct earthquake knowledge training through multiple channels such as communities, schools, and media. Teach the public to identify earthquake precursors, such as abnormal fluctuations in well water and abnormal animal behavior; organize regular earthquake drills to familiarize people with the indoor “life triangle” (such as load-bearing wall corners, next to solid furniture), as well as outdoor open and safe areas (away from tall buildings, electric poles, etc.), to ensure that they can respond quickly to earthquakes.
2. Epicenter emergency
Rescue system: Establish a professional rescue team echelon, covering fire, armed police, medical and civilian professional rescue forces, equipped with advanced life detectors, demolition tools and other equipment, which can accurately locate survivors under the ruins and rescue them quickly. At the same time, build a unified command center to coordinate the forces of all parties, avoid rescue chaos, ensure smooth information flow, and allow all teams to work closely together.
Shelter guarantee: Quickly build temporary shelters in safe and open areas, such as tent cities and simple board house areas, equipped with sufficient drinking water, food, and medical supplies to ensure the basic living and emergency treatment needs of the affected people; set up a health and epidemic prevention team to regularly disinfect temporary resettlement sites to prevent the spread of epidemics and ensure a safe and hygienic shelter environment.
3. Post-earthquake reconstruction
Continuous planning: Take the disaster-stricken areas as a whole and formulate long-term reconstruction plans. Combined with geographical and population factors, optimize the urban layout, widen the streets to facilitate evacuation, and plan disaster prevention parks as emergency shelters; consider multiple disaster prevention functions when building infrastructure, such as underground pipe networks with earthquake and flood resistance to ensure the stability of the city’s lifeline.
Psychological reconstruction: Organize professional psychological teams to go deep into the disaster area to provide long-term psychological counseling for survivors and rescuers. Set up psychological counseling stations and hold group counseling activities to help people get out of the shadow of trauma, regain confidence in life, let the spiritual trauma slowly heal in care, and inject spiritual strength into rebirth.
The earthquake disasters in Turkey and Syria sounded the alarm for the world. Only by fully implementing pre-earthquake prevention, epicenter emergency response, and post-earthquake reconstruction can we be prepared for earthquake terrorist attacks, protect lives, rebuild homes, and move towards a more resilient future.
About us: Superpangol, let the world be less hurt!
Super Pangolin is a professional, efficient and caring team of disaster solution experts, dedicated to providing people with all-round rescue and assistance in various global disasters and emergencies. With rich experience, professional skills and advanced equipment, we are always at the forefront of disaster relief, working hand in hand with the affected people to overcome difficulties, striving to minimize the losses caused by disasters, protect people’s lives and property, and rebuild a beautiful home. We always escort the safety of the people! With professional ability and sincerity, we face the challenges of disasters and practice the solemn promise of “Super Pangolin, making the world less hurt”. If you need to solve protection problems and necessities, please contact us in time!
