Turkey explores relocating industries to mitigate quake risk

Turkey is reportedly seeking to move industrial zones away from Istanbul to reduce potential economic disruption in the event of a major earthquake.

The decision follows growing fears over a quake that could cause severe damage to the city’s population of 16 million and industrial base, the Daily Sabah newspaper reported.

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the city in April. 

The city is at risk of a magnitude 7 or larger earthquake, Bloomberg reported, quoting Turkish geologist Naci Gorur’s post on the social media platform X.

Istanbul and its surrounding region are home to a large share of Turkey’s industrial activity and export economy. 

A large-scale disaster could severely disrupt the national economy, as the northwest region of Marmara contributes more than 40 percent of Turkey’s GDP.

• Turkey gets $219m to develop projects in quake-hit cities
• Earthquake rebuild fuels rise in Turkish construction hires
• Turkey offers incentives to support regional industry

As part of the plan, authorities will first assess the risks in current industrial areas. They will then identify safer locations that meet stringent safety and resilience standards, according to private broadcaster NTV.

The new zones will be developed with modern infrastructure and incorporate the latest earthquake safety standards, the report stated.

In February 2023, the country’s southeast region was hit by earthquakes, including one of 7.8 magnitude, which killed more than 50,000 people.