Minister of Environment Murat Kurum Reports Wildfire Damage and Future Plans for Rebuilding
Murat Kurum, the Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, announced damage assessments from recent wildfires in İzmir and Manisa, and outlined future reconstruction plans in Hatay. In İzmir, 45 independent sections in 43 buildings were reported as heavily damaged, collapsed, or moderately damaged. Manisa saw similar devastation with 52 independent sections in 36 buildings being classified the same.
During his visit to Hatay, Kurum inspected the TOKİ disaster housing area in Cebike Mahallesi. He further provided information on current environmental challenges and ongoing relief efforts.
Kurum detailed the rapid response and inspection efforts, stating, “We dispatched five damage assessment teams to the affected areas in İzmir. We inspected 97 independent sections across 52 buildings and found 45 independent sections in 43 buildings heavily damaged, collapsed, or moderately damaged.”
Kurum assured residents of swift recovery, “Our teams are already working in Manisa’s affected villages. We identified 52 independent sections in 36 buildings as needing urgent demolition. Our history of addressing disasters promises swift action.” Further, he remarked on the ongoing firefighting efforts in Tire and Urla.
In Hatay, Kurum emphasized population retention, promising that long-time residents would continue to live in their neighborhoods. He announced a significant reconstruction plan around the Asi River, enhancing green spaces, parks, and walking paths while protecting the natural beauty and historical essence of the area.
He underscored the importance of restoring historical sites, including Uzun Bazaar and Kurtuluş and Kemalpaşa Streets.
Kurum also committed to accelerating the Iskenderun coastline restoration project, which faced considerable earthquake damage. The project aims to blend the coastline’s aesthetic appeal with safety.
Announcing the imminent handover of new housing, Kurum revealed, “By September, we will deliver another 12,259 homes in Hatay, raising our total to 23,625. Across 11 provinces affected by the February 6 earthquakes, we’re ongoing with 296,755 housing constructions, having already delivered 76,000 and aiming for 100,000 by September.”