Fostering an Earthquake Culture: Towards Enhancing Seismic Resilience in Türkiye

The recent M 7.5 earthquake that struck Japan on January 1st, 2024, marked a significant event due to its substantial magnitude and surprisingly minimal damage. This occurrence serves as a stark contrast to Türkiye's experience, notably the devastating Kahramanmaraş earthquake of February 2023. Japan's impressive success in earthquake resilience, achieved through strict building code enforcement and effective public awareness campaigns, stands in sharp contrast to Türkiye's ongoing struggle with seismic vulnerability. This discrepancy underscores the urgent need to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and societal preparedness in Türkiye. To address this pressing issue, we propose a set of actionable guidelines. Firstly, there is a need to integrate geoscience into Türkiye's educational system, thereby enhancing public understanding of earthquake risks. Simultaneously, opportunities for geoscientists should be expanded to facilitate expertise growth. Establishing local earthquake centers is paramount to improving seismic monitoring, research, and outreach efforts, bolstering the nation's preparedness for seismic events. Furthermore, geoscientists should prioritize science communication training to effectively engage the public and combat misinformation, thereby fostering a more informed and proactive society. In addition to these measures, implementing earthquake scenario modeling and regular preparedness exercises are instrumental in enhancing nationwide earthquake readiness and preparing Türkiye for future seismic events. Lastly, we emphasize the importance of fostering an earthquake culture through memory and awareness initiatives. This approach will instill a collective consciousness about seismic risks and responses, creating a more resilient society. It is essential to recognize that the successful implementation of these guidelines will require active participation from scientists, institutions, and the public. By following these recommendations, Türkiye can build resilience and mitigate the impact of future earthquakes, ultimately ensuring a safer future for its citizens.