The quakes that hit 11 southern Turkish provinces are among the many strongest ever recorded, stated a distinguished Greek scientist of utilized geology.
“What makes them special, however, is the extent of their impact on one of the most densely populated areas of Turkey,” stated Efthymis Lekkas from the University of Athens, reiterating that he, together with a crew of Greek scientists, had been to the quake-struck areas.
“The extent of the damage is impressive but expected for an earthquake of this magnitude,” he advised Anadolu in an unique interview.
When requested in regards to the response of competent Turkish authorities to the catastrophe, Lekkas stated instant response and restoration actions have been carried out in accordance with what was foreseen within the nation’s emergency and earthquake affect administration plans.
But he famous that the magnitude of the quakes and consequently extreme results compelled Türkiye to ask for assist from international search and rescue groups, together with Greece.
“This is the situation and response that any other country that would have had to deal with a leveling earthquake of such magnitude, intensity, and extent of destruction in a densely populated area could have been led to,” he stated.
Pointing out that Greece grew to become one of many first international locations to supply assist to Türkiye, he stated Greek groups, of which he was a component, usually labored beneath unfavorable bodily and physiological situations.
But Lekkas added that their professionalism and selfless work usually acted as a catalyst to beat obstacles and rescue 5 individuals and get better 5 unconscious individuals from the particles.
He stated interplay between Greek groups and Turkish residents proved that individuals of each international locations have completely nothing to separate.
“The Greek search and rescue mission experienced the acceptance and acknowledged the emotion on the faces of the Turkish citizens and the acceptance of the official state authorities of Türkiye who expressed their thanks and gratitude for the support and solidarity of Greece and the Greek people after the devastating earthquakes,” he stated.
Lekkas underscored that Greece drew a number of classes on scientific and operational ranges from the quakes in Türkiye.
“Following the new data from the earthquake in Turkey, which we have learned from the rescue and scientific missions in the earthquake-affected region, priorities have been set for the competent services in Greece, which essentially begin with primary and secondary inspections of all public buildings,” he stated.
Moreover, Lekkas added that Greek authorities determined to accentuate and increase coaching packages for civil safety personnel in addition to the inhabitants, with an emphasis on particular teams, together with the aged, disabled, college students, and staff.
He stated to mitigate the consequences of the quakes, whether or not they happen in Greece, Türkiye, or elsewhere, each shareholder should take accountability, from state authorities and metropolitan municipalities to provincial municipalities and residents.
Two 7.7- and seven.6-magnitude quakes struck quite a few Turkish provinces on Feb. 6, killing greater than 50,000.
Around 14 million individuals in Türkiye have been affected and lots of others in northern Syria.
Greece was among the many first international locations to convey its condolences and provide help when the earthquakes struck 11 southern Turkish provinces.
Likewise, Türkiye was the primary nation to supply condolences and help following a Feb. 28 prepare accident in northern Greece that left no less than 57 individuals useless.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
