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Join us on a journey beyond the haunting images of devastation in Türkiye's earthquake-hit region. In the aftermath of the 2023 earthquake, over 50,000 lives were lost. But behind this tragedy lies a lesser-known crisis – environmental degradation and health risks. As temporary gravestones populate cemeteries and contaminated debris poisons the land, communities are left grappling with the consequences of mismanagement and neglect. This investigation, led by me and Sindre Langmoen and edited by Julius E. O. Fintelmann, sheds light on the emotional hardships faced by those affected. Join us in raising awareness and support for Türkiye's earthquake survivors. #TürkiyeEarthquake #EnvironmentalCrisis #Turkiye #Earthquake

Our #OSINT team's third investigation covers a particularly important topic - disaster management. Southern #Türkiye and northern #Syria were devastated by a deadly earthquake in February 2023, claiming over 50,000 lives. A year later, due to governmental mismanagement and profit-driven disaster handling, a secondary disaster looms. Investigations reveal toxic debris contaminating the region, posing severe health risks to communities and ecosystems. Despite warnings and protests, authorities continue to disregard safety measures, potentially endangering up to three million people and exacerbating an already dire situation. Months-long investigation by Ata Ahmet K. and Sindre L.. Edited by Julius E. O. Fintelmann: https://buff.ly/4aVxo3j

Proud of publishing a piece I have been working on together with my colleague Ata Ahmet K. for the past few months. Last August, I was in post-earthquake southern Turkey together with Âsûde Alkaya, collecting interviews, testimonies, photos and footage (which we are working on and will be published on our page Initiative Hayde - https://lnkd.in/eQq4g2N7). In the city of Adıyaman, where we were incredibly well taken care of by a whole group of locals, we were introduced to Mahmut. He took us to the vast disposal site right on the border of the city, where all the debris from the collapsed or demolished buildings was dumped, sorted, and/or burned. Large clouds of toxic dust and smoke rose above the great dumping grounds, spreading across the city. He wanted to show us the continued degradation of his city, and the unnecessary additional dangers people are put in due to maladministration, corruption in the process of clean-up. As part of the OSINT Desk of The European Correspondent, I had the opportunity to delve deeper into the topic. Using satellite imagery, and comparing images before and after the earthquake, I identified dozens of disposal sites across the region that appeared in the aftermath of the earthquake, the majority of which were immediately adjacent to residential areas, water bodies, or spread across agricultural land and olive groves. Exacerbating the issue of random debris being dumped across the lands is the fact that much of this debris contains toxic materials, particularly asbestos - a notorious carcinogenic banned in Türkiye since 2010 but present in a lot of the buildings constructed before then. These toxic materials threaten to contaminate the fields, water, and spreads with the winds in large clouds across living areas. Not only the environment is at risk, but also the health of the people who have already survived a devastating earthquake. No systematic study of people’s health or the impact of these toxic materials upon the environment or population has been done. According to multiple sources we spoke to, safety regulations and laws were usually not followed, workers were not trained, and local communities were shut out of decision-making processes. “With an optimistic estimate, I would say that three million people will be sick," Mehmet Şeyhmus Ensari, civil engineer and Chairman of Türkiye’s Association of Asbestos Dismantling Experts, told Reuters reporters. An earthquake is an act of God. There is nothing one can do to avoid them. What is possible is to prepare for disasters, by following proper building codes and fighting against corruption in the industry - and avoid putting additional countless lives in danger in the aftermath of a disaster by following proper regulations and protocols. Corruption kills more than earthquakes do.

In Auckland, a very large earthquake is expected only once every 8,900 years, yet seismic regulations demand costly retrofits to buildings. Setting policy to help discover the right amount of protection, rather than dictating levels of protection through regulation may be in order. https://buff.ly/4aTOMoF

Ranjit Devraj argues that bad buildings are the main reason for catastrophic effects of earthquakes. He writes: "Across the Himalayas, considering the current level of infrastructure and human activities in the region, the threat of earthquakes is of serious social and economic concern." The article sheds light on how across the Asia- Pacific region, infrastructure and homes are rising up in seismically sensitive areas and governments aren’t working enough to enforce safety codes where rapid development is taking place.  When the ground shakes, will our buildings stand firm? Exploring the critical importance of enforcing building codes to protect lives in earthquake-prone areas. More here: https://bit.ly/4dkCPKF Are we ready to face the challenge? #EarthquakeSafety #InfrastructureRisk #PrepareAndProtect #SafetyFirst

It was a real privilege to attend day 3 (recovery) of the Rū Whenau exercise in Wellington last week. The exercise was based around an Alpine Fault magnitude 8 earthquake and and to see NEMA taking a lead role in developing thinking around long term recovery is very welcome (this is the first such meeting that has taken place in Aotearoa New Zealand). However, the event was also sobering. The amount of work required to develop effective pre-event plans for recovery is extensive and such planning is in its infancy. This is particularly true when it comes to the legal frameworks needed to manage and implement recovery as well make the hard strategic decisions that will be required. These decisions will impact Aotearoa New Zealand for generations after the event occurs and the time to prepare for them is now, not in the challenging environment that will inevitably follow an event like this. The scientists have given us the information so we know what will occur. This is not a black swan event. We know that it will happen in the not too distant future and we (roughly) know the consequences. If we fail to prepare for it (and that includes the legal frameworks needed) we as a nation will have no one to blame but ourselves. We will have chosen the path of disaster. This event reminds us that it doesn’t have to be that way. We can chose a different path, but the clock is ticking…

Today is day 3 of Exercise Rū Whenua! NEMA and representatives from agencies and NGOs across New Zealand, as well as international guests, are gathered to discuss, plan and prepare to recover from an Alpine Fault magnitude 8 earthquake. Day 3 is focused on the Recovery following an event like an AF8 earthquake. It is about asking participants to consider what the situation would be like 6 weeks after the initial earthquake. What are the impacts on New Zealand’s social, economic, built and natural environments? And how do we make sure we’re ready to recover from an event of this scale? Learn more about what happened on Exercise Rū Whenua Day 1 at https://ow.ly/eQiP50SynNG

Natural Resources Canada | Ressources naturelles Canada has launched a public survey to understand people's awareness of earthquakes in their region and earthquake early warnings, as well as their level of preparedness. The survey takes about 3 to 5 minutes to complete and closes Jan. 31. Survey: https://buff.ly/3vLkJ3i

Visiting the Southeastern Turkey regions affected by the February 6th Earthquake for the first time since the crisis has been an eye opening experience. Seeing my hometown, one of the cities heavily damaged, I was shocked by the resilience and determination of the people here. There is a strong will to rebuild, to transform the systems and structures that failed, and to ensure that such a tragedy never claims thousands of lives again. This region, home to incredible historical sites like Nemrut, Göbekli Tepe, and the ancient town of Antioch, holds a huge potential. There is an opportunity to transform these areas into points of tourism and to introduce new agricultural methods that could revolutionize local economies. However, the shock is still there, and the vision needed to drive this transformation is lacking. I believe in the power of humanity and the potential of “Human Resources.” This vision can only be realized through the collective efforts of NGOs, official organizations, and visionary leaders from both local and international firms. The question now is whether this opportunity will be seized and developed, or if the land will be abobdoned in despair. “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” We must see this light now, more than ever.

Preparing for an earthquake in California is crucial due to the state’s high seismic activity. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare: https://lnkd.in/g3gV-jTS