Istanbul has stepped up its tsunami preparedness; two districts in the city are joining a UNESCO-backed project to improve early warnings and drills.
Authorities are rolling out a UNESCO-backed tsunami preparedness program in Kartal and Tuzla, two coastal districts on the Asian side, as the city braces for the risk of a major Marmara Sea earthquake. The initiative, called CoastWave and led by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, aims to defend and standardise what happens in the first critical minutes after the quake.
The Istanbul Deputy Governor, Mahmut Hersanlıoğlu, said a citywide disaster-risk reduction plan is already in motion. In both districts, teams have completed tsunami risk surveys, run awareness workshops and training sessions, and are now finalising standard operating procedures, including who issues the warning, who makes announcements, and which actions follow on the ground. Once preparations are complete, full-scale drills will be held.
Istanbul Disaster and Emergency Management Authority Director Haluk Özener says that after successful exercises, Kartal and Tuzla will be certified as “tsunami-ready.” Türkiye is one of 39 member countries participating in CoastWave; the program, which was first launched in Istanbul's other district, Büyükçekmece, two years ago, is now expanding across the city.
Officials issued a public warning for civilians to stay away from the shoreline after an earthquake. If a quake hits the Marmara Sea, residents should move inland and to higher ground—crowding the coast to “watch the sea” can be dangerous.
This initiative comes just months after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that occurred on April 23rd, which shook Istanbul and revived concerns about local tsunamis. As Hersanlıoğlu put it, natural disasters can’t be stopped—but with planning, drills, and clear command chains, a tsunami doesn’t have to become a disaster if the right protocols are taken.
Flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended on Monday (16 March) following a drone strike nearby, the emi...
'One Battle After Another' tops the Oscars with 6 awards, followed by 'Sinners' which takes 4, 'Frankenstein' 3 and Ne...
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues ...
Canada and the five Nordic countries have agreed to deepen cooperation in military procurement and other areas, in...
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 ...
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck the city of Asaluyeh in southern Iran on Sunday morning, according to state media.
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake has struck off the southern Philippines, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has said.
A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck southern Mexico early on Friday, killing at least two people and causing damage in Guerrero state.
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck offshore near Taiwan’s north-eastern county of Yilan late on Saturday, shaking buildings across the island, including in the capital Taipei, authorities said.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile on Saturday (14 March), Japanese and South Korean officials said. The development comes amid the joint annual U.S.-South Korea "Freedom Shield" military drills and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit to Washington.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and a key port in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region overnight (13-14 March), local authorities said, causing injuries and damage. In separate action, Russian air attacks on Ukrainian territory killed and wounded civilians near Kyiv, officials reported.
The Academy Awards nominations have been announced, with the crime drama Sinners leading the race securing a record 16 nominations ahead of the ceremony set for 15 March. The event, which honours the film industry’s top achievements over the past year, will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien.
Flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended on Monday (16 March) following a drone strike nearby, the emirate's authorities said. It comes as the Middle East conflict enters its 16th day.
The process of evacuating foreign diplomats and citizens from Iran to Azerbaijan through the Astara state border crossing continues on Sunday (15 March), ensuring smooth and efficient transit for those arriving.
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian father, mother, and two of their children as they drove in the occupied West Bank on Sunday (15 March), Palestinian health authorities said, and the Israeli military said the incident was under review.
Kazakhstan is holding a nationwide referendum on a new draft Constitution on Sunday (15 March) that could significantly reshape the country’s political system. Polling stations have opened across the country, with nearly 12.5 million people eligible to take part.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened further strikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub and urged allies to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran vowed to step up its response and the war showed no sign of ending on Sunday ( 15 March).
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment