The number of buildings at risk in the event of an earthquake in the largest Turkish metropolis has reached 207,000. The updated statistics were presented by the Turkish media with reference to the figures received from the city municipality.
Recall that after the February earthquake with an epicenter in Kahramanmarash, thorough inspections of buildings for possible consequences in Istanbul began, since it is in the "first degree risk zone". Complicating the situation is the very dense development of the metropolis and, accordingly, the extremely high population density.
30% of risky buildings have been built since 2,000 and later; and even though they were erected after the increase in construction requirements, they are still "problematic," explains the Deputy Chief Secretary of the Istanbul Municipality.
There is nothing to say about earlier buildings.
The areas that are most vulnerable have already been named; 40% of potentially emergency buildings are located in Esenyurt, Byukchekmedzh and Kyuchukchekmedzh.
Let's clarify that spending on risk assessment is high, but justified: it's easier to do prevention than to deal with the consequences later. After all, the February earthquake cost Turkey $105 billion. But the urban transformation of Istanbul can take, taking into account the scale of the city, from 10 to 20 years.