A Brief Review of Vulnerability, Preparedness and Resilience Measures of Anticipated Istanbul Earthquake

Abstract

his review examines the seismic vulnerability of Istanbul, a city uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Asia and Europe and exposed to significant earthquake risks due to the North Anatolian Fault (NAF). By synthesizing data on historical seismic events, urban development patterns, and current building and infrastructure resilience, the paper highlights the complexities of disaster management in a densely populated and rapidly growing metropolis. It critically evaluates the effectiveness of existing preparedness and mitigation strategies, including legislative frameworks, urban planning policies, and community-based resilience efforts. The review also identifies gaps in the current approach to earthquake risk reduction and suggests areas for improvement, emphasizing the need for an integrated, multi-sectoral approach to enhance the city's capacity to withstand and recover from future seismic events. The findings underscore the importance of proactive planning and the adoption of innovative technologies in building a resilient Istanbul.