Deputy Governor of Istanbul Mahmut Hersanlıoğlu: “A comprehensive preparedness process is underway to make Istanbul more resilient to disasters”

Speaking at the “Earthquake Awareness” conference organized by OYAK Pazarlama, Deputy Governor of Istanbul and District Governor of Arnavutköy Mahmut Hersanlıoğlu stated that a comprehensive preparedness process is being carried out to enhance Istanbul’s resilience against disasters.

Preparedness efforts for a potential earthquake in Istanbul are being implemented under two main plans: measures aimed at reducing risks and practices designed to strengthen response capacity during disasters.

At the conference held at OYAK Dragos Plaza and hosted by OYAK Pazarlama General Manager Yusuf Yenilmez and company executives, Hersanlıoğlu emphasized that efforts to make Istanbul more disaster-resilient are ongoing. The program also featured Haluk Özener, along with other experts in the field of earthquakes.

Two Main Disaster Plans for Istanbul

In his remarks, Hersanlıoğlu highlighted the importance of coordination among public institutions, supporting urban transformation, and enhancing institutional cooperation. He noted that efforts across Istanbul are progressing within two primary frameworks: the “Disaster Risk Reduction Plan” and the “Disaster Response Plan.”

“Our efforts to reduce risks are continuing with determination. We are also continuously updating our disaster response plan to make it more effective. The process is advancing with a strong focus on field implementation and monitoring,” he said.

Hersanlıoğlu also underlined that concrete actions have been defined for each institution and are being monitored through regular follow-up mechanisms. Emphasizing the importance of volunteer-based search and rescue activities to strengthen response capacity during disasters, he noted that public participation in the process is critical.

Referring to OYAK’s corporate capacity, Hersanlıoğlu stated: “It is important that an organization with thousands of employees who have developed disaster awareness is structured in alignment with the goal of a disaster-resilient Türkiye and that its existing resources are prepared accordingly.”

OYAK Pazarlama General Manager Yusuf Yenilmez, in his evaluation of the conference, said: “Preparedness for disasters is not only the responsibility of public institutions but of the entire society. As OYAK Pazarlama, we prioritize raising awareness among our employees and stakeholders and enhancing their level of knowledge and preparedness in this field. Through such initiatives, we aim to build a more conscious and prepared structure against potential disasters.”