Underlining the risk and preventing disasters for Atakum Municipality
The Atakum Municipality is implementing measures to raise disaster awareness and preparedness in line with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Plan (IRAP) of Turkey.
Description
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Plan (IRAP) is a plan that reveals the disastrous nature of the province and the possible effects of disasters, and shows the actions to be taken without disasters in order to minimize these effects, and defines those responsible. With this system, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) of Turkey identified risky places in the city and determined the liability of the risks to the municipalities.
Atakum Municipality is taking part in this program to fulfill their obligations on the subject and support the implementation of the local disaster risk reduction plan. Atakum Municipality is committed to improving the disaster preparedness of the population through different measures including the creation of disaster and emergency assembly areas, establishment of the civil defence unit, formation of search and rescue team, and the use of a mobile earthquake simulation tool to build the population’s capacity to respond to disasters.
In case of rain and flood, since the flowing mud prevents the flow, the drainpipe chimneys and grates need to be cleaned, the Atakum Municipality has also procured a vacuum truck service. There are 4 diesel submersibles, 6 electric submersibles, 11 gasoline submersibles, and 6 large submersible water pumps. In addition, there are 5 generators in certain areas of the municipality for emergency purposes.
Did the Sendai Framework change or contribute to changes in your activities/organization? If so, how?
In line with national government and provincial plans, Atakum Municipality is ensuring their contribution to meeting a key target in the Sendai Framework, Target (E) which seeks to increase the number of countries with national and local strategies for DRR.
What led you to make this commitment/initiative?
What was your position before making this Voluntary Commitment / prior to the Sendai Framework?
Turkey is one of the top countries with the highest earthquake-related casualties and number of people affected. In addition to earthquakes, it is also prone to floods and landslides. Because of this, it is important to prepare the population for these risks to avoid disasters.
Atakum is a central district in Samsun located in the northern coast of Turkey. While previous work has been done in Atakum District Municipality for disaster risk reduction and preparedness, it was found to be insufficient and limited. The local government of Atakum is keen to make the district safer and more resilient against natural hazards by building on the previous situation and implementing additional measures for disaster preparedness.
Deliverables and Progress report
Deliverables
Deliverables are the end-products of the initiative/commitment, which can include issuance of publications or knowledge products, outcomes of workshops, training programs, videos, links, photographs, etc.
A civil defense regulation on disasters has been prepared. A new unit under the name of 'civil defense expertise' was established within the municipality. This unit will ensure that the regulations are adhered to and propose other activities to increase disaster resilience of the municipality.
166 disaster and emergency assembly areas have been determined in the district. Barcode 'disaster and emergency assembly area' signs have been placed in these areas. It will be ensured that the assembly areas are marked on the map on the municipality's website. This will ensure easy access of citizens to these areas and create disaster awareness among citizens.
A municipal search and rescue team will be formed in order to intervene immediately in disasters and emergencies. Teams will be given training on the necessary issues.
Mobile Earthquake Simulation Training Tool will be purchased in order to contribute to the creation of the right reflex for the moment of disaster and ensure that communities are well prepared for disasters.
Organizations and focal points
Implementing Organization(s)
Focal points
