The “Kütahya Earthquake Risk Management Workshop”, organised in cooperation with the Kütahya Dumlupınar University Disaster and Emergency Management Education, Practice and Research Centre (AFAMER) and the Kütahya Dumlupınar University Search, Rescue and Protection Community, was held with the participation of public institutions, academics, sector representatives and non-governmental organisations.

The programme, organised with the aim of increasing public awareness regarding earthquake risks, strengthening disaster preparedness processes and enhancing inter-institutional cooperation, was attended by Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KUTSO) Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Emin Yüce and Secretary General H. Feyyaz Ebeoğlugil.

During the workshop, which was supported by Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the main sponsor, topics such as disaster risk management, pre-earthquake preparedness processes, crisis coordination, increasing the resilience of cities against disasters and the importance of inter-institutional cooperation were discussed. Throughout the programme, in which experts in their respective fields delivered presentations, the importance of a scientific approach in disaster management and the necessity of sustainable risk management policies were emphasised.

Speaking within the scope of the workshop, KUTSO Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Emin Yüce underlined that Türkiye is located in an earthquake zone and stated that being prepared for disasters is a shared responsibility not only of public institutions but of society as a whole. Emphasising that earthquake risks can only be managed through planning approaches developed in the light of scientific data and strong cooperation mechanisms, Emin Yüce noted that joint action among the public sector, private sector, universities and non-governmental organisations is of great importance in making cities more resilient.

In his speech, Emin Yüce also stated that disaster management is not a process limited solely to times of crisis, and that pre-disaster preparedness, risk reduction, training, coordination and awareness activities are at least as important as intervention processes. He further highlighted that strengthening the resilience of industrial zones, production facilities and urban infrastructure against disasters is a critical factor for economic sustainability, adding that disaster-prepared cities also form the foundation of strong economies.

At the end of the programme, plaques were presented to the participants.

News: KUTSO Press Office