Istanbul Creates AI-powered Emergency Units to Boost Earthquake Readiness

Türkiye continues to confront the devastating legacy of past earthquakes, Istanbul is taking a major step toward future precautions—with the launch of an AI-powered disaster response system.

Memories of powerful quakes remain deeply etched in the nation’s history. In February 2023, the Kahramanmaraş earthquake killed over 50,000 people, leaving widespread destruction across southeastern Türkiye. And back in August 1999, Istanbul’s Avcılar district was one of the hardest-hit areas during the Gölcük earthquake—with 270 lives lost, hundreds injured, and thousands of buildings reduced to rubble.

In response, a new AI-supported “Disaster Emergency Unit” has been introduced, with the first prototype installed in Preveze Primary School in Gaziosmanpaşa district. Developed with support from the Istanbul Governor’s Office, the solar-powered unit includes clean water, toilets, food, first aid, and search-and-rescue tools, all intended for the critical first 72 hours after a quake.

These 12-square-meter green units are equipped with sensors and automatically activate during earthquakes of 5.5 magnitude or higher. The AI system monitors inventory and expiration dates, while school-specific versions securely log who children can be released to during emergencies.

Yasemin Küçük, safety coordinator for the “Disaster-Ready School” project, said the idea came after the 2019 Istanbul earthquake, Though no schools collapsed, students had to wait outside for hours, highlighting the need for better planning.

Remembering past quake tragedies to AI-driven solutions, Istanbul is building resilience one container at a time.

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