Statement from Türkiye İMSAD on the Earthquake

Statement from Türkiye İMSAD on the Earthquake Tayfun Küçükoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Türkiye İMSAD, commented on the 7.4 magnitude earthquake with epicentre in Kahramanmaraş that caused major losses in 10 provinces, stating: "This earthquake is the largest to occur in our country since the 17 August 1999 earthquake. Unfortunately, we are experiencing a disaster of that magnitude again. With the awareness that our country is located in an earthquake zone, our preparations against these earthquakes must be complete." Türkiye İMSAD (Turkish Construction Materials Manufacturers Association) issued a statement regarding the 7.4 magnitude earthquake with epicentre in Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş, which was felt severely in Hatay, Gaziantep, Malatya, Adana, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa, Osmaniye and Adıyaman. Tayfun Küçükoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Türkiye İMSAD, praying for mercy for those who lost their lives in the earthquake and swift recovery for the injured, said: "We have experienced great suffering and continue to do so due to earthquakes occurring in our country, which is located in the earthquake belt… This latest earthquake has reminded us once more of the vital importance of having safe buildings. Our greatest wish is that our citizens trapped under the rubble are reached safely as soon as possible. We hope that this disaster will be overcome with minimal loss of life and damage. Our condolences to all our country, particularly to the citizens in the affected region." Warning that priority should be given to damage assessment in buildings in the earthquake-affected area and that damaged buildings should not be entered, Tayfun Küçükoğlu continued: "This earthquake is the largest to occur in our country since the 17 August 1999 earthquake. Unfortunately, we are experiencing a disaster of that magnitude again. With the awareness that our country is an earthquake zone, our preparations against these earthquakes must be complete. Earthquakes are a reality of the geography we inhabit, so we need to reduce the destructive effects of earthquakes. What is important is to adapt to the earthquake reality and fulfill the requirements of living with earthquake risk," he said.