Tiles, Taps and Earthquake-Proofing: Lessons for Disaster Management in Turkey

This paper explores the lessons learned from the disaster manage- ment experience in Turkey in response to the Marmara earthquake in August 1999. It discusses why this earthquake produced such a large impact, including the shortcomings in the measures meant to ensure that buildings were more earth- quake proof. It suggests why, unlike with previous earthquakes, the public reac- tion to the shortcomings in disaster preparedness for this earthquake may promote important changes within Turkish society. Finally, it outlines possible responses to these shortcomings, including a greater role for house buyers in ensuring that what they purchase is adequately built and the role of international support in increasing the effectiveness of Turkey’s disaster response institutions.