Ankara, October 12, 2024
The Turkish Interior Ministry has issued a nationwide directive to all 81 provinces, mandating stricter disaster mitigation measures in response to escalating risks linked to climate change and seasonal shifts. The move comes amid increased threats of floods, landslides, and avalanches, driven by erratic weather patterns.
Under the new guidelines, provincial authorities are required to implement comprehensive risk reduction strategies, including early warning systems, infrastructure reinforcements, and community preparedness programs. The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) outlined that the measures will focus on high-risk zones identified through updated hazard maps.
“Preemptive action is critical to minimizing loss of life and property,” stated the Interior Ministry in its announcement. “This directive ensures coordinated efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities before disasters strike.”
The regulations also emphasize interagency collaboration, with AFAD tasked to oversee training initiatives and resource allocation. Local governments must submit progress reports within 90 days, detailing steps taken to comply with the updated protocols.
The decision follows a series of destructive weather events in 2024, including flash floods in the Black Sea region and landslides in mountainous areas, which underscored Turkey’s vulnerability to climate-driven disasters.
