MESSAGE FROM OZAN BALCI,GOVERNOR OF VAN AND ACTING MAYOR OF THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY ON THE 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VAN EARTHQUAKE

Fourteen years ago, on October 23 and November 9, 2011, I remember with compassion the 644 citizens who lost their lives in the earthquakes that struck our province on the anniversary of their passing.

I would like to express that we still feel the pain of our fellow citizens who lost their lives in the first earthquake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, centered in our Erciş district on October 23, 2011, and the second earthquake, measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale, on November 9, 2011. I also wish patience to the relatives of our citizens who lost their lives in the earthquakes.

Alongside the 2011 earthquakes that deeply affected our city and our beloved nation, I extend my condolences to the citizens who lost their lives in the earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023, centered in Kahramanmaraş, which we describe as the disaster of the century and affected 11 provinces. I pray for God's mercy upon them and offer my condolences and wishes for patience to their loved ones.

I also express my gratitude to our beloved nation, who rallied together to heal the wounds caused by these disasters, setting an example to the world with their generosity and spirit of solidarity.

In our province, which is located in an earthquake zone, we must work meticulously in all construction projects to minimize damage from potential earthquakes, demonstrating the utmost care in every aspect, from the materials used to the workmanship.

I would like to emphasize that we must not forget the earthquake, which constantly reminds us of itself, and that we must always be prepared for natural disasters such as earthquakes.

With these feelings and thoughts, I extend my condolences to all our citizens affected by the earthquakes, once again remember our citizens who lost their lives with mercy, and hope that our country and our beloved nation will not experience similar tragedies.