Why did so many buildings collapse in Turkey by earthquake?

Why did so many buildings collapse in Turkey by
an earthquake?

 The Turkey earthquake that struck the Elazig and Malatya provinces on January 24th, 2023, was a devastating event that claimed the lives of many people and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6., was one of the largest to hit the region in recent years and raised important questions about the safety and stability of buildings in the area. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind the collapse of buildings during the earthquake and what measures can be taken to prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future.

1. Lack of Earthquake-resistant construction techniques:      
   
   One of the main reasons buildings collapsed during the Turkey earthquake was a lack of earthquake-resistant construction techniques. Many buildings in the affected area were constructed without considering the potential impact of earthquakes, making them more vulnerable to collapse during a seismic event. This is a common problem in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries, where building codes and regulations are often not strictly enforced, or where builders may not have access to the latest earthquake-resistant construction techniques.
2. Poor Quality of Construction:          Another reason why buildings collapsed during the earthquake was due to the poor quality of construction. Buildings that were constructed with low-quality materials, or that were not built to meet local building codes and regulations, are more likely to be damaged during earthquakes. For example, buildings that have insufficient reinforcement or inadequate foundations may collapse during earthquakes because they cannot withstand the ground motion and seismic forces generated by the event.
3. Lack of Proper Maintenance:                 In addition to the lack of earthquake-resistant construction techniques and poor quality of construction, many buildings in the affected area were not properly maintained, which made them more susceptible to collapse during earthquakes. For example, buildings that have not been inspected and repaired regularly may have structural weaknesses that go unnoticed until it is too late. This is why it is so important for building owners and managers to ensure that their buildings are properly maintained so that they can continue to provide safe and secure living and working spaces for those who occupy them.
4. Unforeseen Geological Conditions:                Another factor that can contribute to the collapse of buildings during earthquakes is unforeseen geological conditions. For example, buildings constructed on soft soil or steep slopes may be more susceptible to collapse during earthquakes, as the soil and terrain may not adequately support the weight of the structure. In these cases, it is important for engineers and builders to thoroughly evaluate the geological conditions of the site before constructing a building, to ensure that it will be able to withstand earthquakes.

In conclusion, the collapse of buildings during the Turkey earthquake was due to a combination of factors, including a lack of earthquake-resistant construction techniques, poor quality of construction, lack of proper maintenance, and unforeseen geological conditions. To prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future, governments, building owners, and the construction industry need to work together to ensure that buildings are constructed using the latest earthquake-resistant construction techniques, and are properly maintained so that they can provide safe and secure living and working spaces for those who occupy them.