As part of the Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) “Science Cafe” meetings, a meaningful event was held to commemorate our citizens who lost their lives in the February 6, 2023 earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş and draw attention to earthquake awareness.
Prepared by BEUN Science Communication Office, the event titled “February 6 Earthquakes: Earthquake Awareness” was held at Fatih Sitesi neignbourhood in Kozlu, Zonguldak. The citizens were brought together in order to raise awareness for earthquakes, popularize being ready for the disasters, and sharelessons learned from disasters. As part of the program, citizens were informed about the earthquakes by specialists.
The program was moderated by the Assisstant Coordinator of BEUN Corporate Communication Office and the Head of BEUN Science Communication Office Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin and the guest speakers were Zonguldak Provincial Head of Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of the Ministry of Interior (AFAD) Ali Kartal, Chief of the Electromechanical Division, Üzülmez Establishment Directorate, Turkish Hard Coal Enterprises (TTK) Dursun Nazlı, Mukhtar of Dilaver Neighnorhood and Retired Mine worker Bülent Bektaş. The program, which was held with the participation of non-governmental organization members in the field of first aid along with Fatih Sitesi residents and mukhtars, drew great attention.
Raising Earthquake Awareness, Response Processes, and Field Experiences Shared with the Public
An event organized to commemorate the citizens who lost their lives in the February 6 earthquakes addressed a wide range of topics, including AFAD’s duties and responsibilities; initial response processes carried out during disasters; correct behaviors during and after earthquakes; commonly observed risky and incorrect practices in society; the roles and field experiences of miners in search and rescue operations; local preparedness levels; individual and collective awareness during disasters; volunteer processes; and efforts to increase disaster awareness.
In her opening remarks, the moderator of the program, Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin, stated that the pain of the February 6 earthquakes is still felt as deeply as on the first day, emphasizing the importance of learning lessons from what was experienced and being conscious and prepared for natural disasters. Şahin noted that the Science Café meetings aim to strengthen interaction between the university and society and thanked BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer for his support of such events. She also expressed her gratitude to Sedat Karakaruk, Headman of Kozlu Fatih Sitesi Neighborhood, for hosting the event, highlighting the great value of contributing to public awareness on such a vital issue as earthquake preparedness and social awareness.
AFAD Zonguldak Provincial Director Ali Kartal emphasized that AFAD’s goal is not only to be present after disasters occur, but to be actively involved in the field beforehand through coordination and preparedness efforts. Stating that minimizing loss of life and property is the primary objective, Kartal explained that AFAD has on-duty teams working 24/7, and that initial reports are first evaluated by these teams.
Kartal noted that earthquakes cannot be predicted with certainty and warned the public against unscientific claims made in this regard. He stated that while Zonguldak is considered to be in a relatively lower seismic risk zone, earthquake-resistant construction is mandatory in all regions. Drawing attention to ground-related issues particularly in the districts of Devrek and Çaycuma, Kartal stressed that although there are examples of proper construction on suitable ground in some parts of Türkiye, the key issue is the consistent application of safe building standards everywhere.
Emphasizing that correct behavior during an earthquake is vital, Kartal stated that the “Drop–Cover–Hold On” maneuver should be performed at the safest possible spot and that the first few seconds are critical. He also drew attention to injuries caused by panic, warning citizens to avoid risky behaviors such as jumping from balconies. Kartal underlined the importance of keeping an emergency kit ready, discussing in advance how family members should act during a disaster, and securing furniture that may topple over in homes.
Dursun Nazlı, Chief of the Electromechanical Supervision Unit at TTK Üzülmez Establishment Directorate, stated that mining is a challenging profession that requires struggling with nature, and that the experience gained underground makes a significant contribution to search and rescue operations in disaster areas. Despite aftershocks and risks under debris, Nazlı said they continued their work and applied some mining techniques in disaster zones.
Nazlı noted that the moments experienced during search and rescue operations deeply affected them emotionally, emphasizing that reaching children left a lasting impact on the teams. He stated that they encountered extremely difficult situations under the rubble and that in some cases they came across citizens who were only a very short distance away from being rescued. Remembering an operation in which they rescued an elderly citizen trapped alongside neighbors’ children, Nazlı said such moments are impossible to forget. He also warned that even well-intentioned but untrained interventions can pose serious risks in disaster areas, stressing that debris removal operations must be carried out by trained teams, while acknowledging that citizens may act on emotional impulses in such situations.
Retired Mine worker and Dilaver Neighborhood Mukhtar Bülent Bektaş stated that upon receiving the news of the earthquake, they immediately began preparations as a team, gathered the necessary equipment, and set out with their vehicles without delay. Bektaş explained that they encountered serious logistical problems during transportation to the region, losing time on the roads due to heavy congestion, but were eventually able to reach the disaster area with the support provided. Emphasizing that unconscious actions can cause major problems just as much as panic during disasters, Bektaş stated that the simultaneous movement of numerous aid vehicles toward the same area can hinder access, highlighting the importance of conducting operations under the coordination of relevant institutions. He stressed that citizens should seek accurate information and follow the guidance of official authorities. Bektaş also stated that some of the moments experienced in the field left deep marks on him, particularly those involving children, expressing his hope that such tragedies would never occur again.
Strong Public Interest from Fatih Sitesi Residents
At the end of the program, questions posed by citizens were answered by expert speakers. Emphasis was placed on correct behavior during earthquakes, preparing emergency kits, family disaster planning, building safety, and volunteer processes. At the conclusion of the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to the speakers by Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin, Head of the Office of Science Communication. The well-attended talk concluded with a commemorative group photo.
