An article co-authored by Res. Asst. Şeyhmus Can TUNÇ, a research assistant in our department, titled “Post-earthquake condition of lifeline systems following the Kahramanmaraş” has been published in the journal Natural Disaster Research Report.
The study focuses on the impact of the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023, affecting 11 provinces in Türkiye. In particular, it examines the damage to lifeline systems, especially water infrastructures, in cities such as Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman, and Hatay. Data were collected through visits to local utilities (GASKİ, KASKİ, ASKİM, and HATSU), meetings with personnel, shared institutional data, and on-site observations.
According to the findings, the Düzbağ transmission line and the Kartalkaya PSC line in Gaziantep suffered severe structural damage. Although drinking water supply was restored in some areas within a few days, turbidity issues caused delays in accessing potable water. In Kahramanmaraş, the post-earthquake water loss rate increased from 55% to 75%, daily breakdown incidents quadrupled, and the most severe damage was observed in the Dulkadiroğlu district. In Adıyaman, especially in the Gölbaşı district, water and natural gas systems became entirely non-functional, with 25 major damage points identified along the Gurlevik steel pipeline. In Hatay, a large portion of the population migrated to rural areas, placing substantial pressure on infrastructure systems, and 38 water tanks became unusable. In this context, investment support has been planned from various international organizations, including the European Investment Bank and the World Bank.
The article also evaluates the short- and long-term consequences of these damages on affected communities and provides valuable insights into the post-disaster conditions of critical infrastructure systems.
We congratulate Res. Asst. Şeyhmus Can TUNÇ on this significant contribution and wish him continued success in his academic journey.
