Assessing the potential economic impacts of a large earthquake in the Istanbul region

Description
Experts estimate a 40% chance of a major earthquake affecting Istanbul over the next 30 years, making Istanbul one of the disaster hotspots worldwide. In collaboration with CEDIM (the Center for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Technology), Karlsruhe and the GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, the Earthquake Istanbul Project aims at estimating the vulnerability of the Istanbul region to seismic hazard and the potential direct and indirect economic effects of such a major earthquake on the greater Istanbul region.

The modeling of the time-dependency of risk with regard to the future development of the megacity Istanbul is one important aspect. This involves understanding the dynamic nature of hazard, vulnerability and the exposure of population and assets.

Outcomes of this project will inform policy makers and stakeholder about the need and potential of risk reducing and financing measures in Istanbul.

Funding agencies:
Center for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Technology

Duration:
September 2008

Partners:
Center for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Technology

IIASA Researcher:
Reinhard Mechler

Responsible for this page: Jun Watabe
Last updated: 24 Feb 2011