The capabilities and resources of the Civil Defence Organization were showcased at the Metehan Training and Exercise Area with the participation of Prime Minister Ünal Üstel.

With the support of the Republic of Türkiye and contributions from the Prime Ministry, 40 new vehicles have been added to the organization’s inventory since 2022.

Speaking at the event, Civil Defence Organization President Atilla Karaca stated that the organization’s goal was to raise public awareness of disasters and emergencies and to build a resilient society against disasters.

Karaca also noted that aging and economically outdated motor vehicles have been renewed in recent years with the financial support of motherland Türkiye and contributions from the Prime Ministry.

In his speech, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel stressed that they were working in cooperation with motherland Türkiye to prepare for possible natural disasters in the country.

The Prime Minister stated that this cooperation has strengthened civil defence and expressed his satisfaction with the progress made.

“We had promised to work tirelessly to complete the unfinished projects needed by the public. We are fulfilling all our commitments one by one in collaboration with our Motherland, Türkiye. Today, we are witnessing one of those partnerships” Üstel said.

Referring to the “disaster of the century” that occurred on February 6, Üstel recalled the challenges faced during that period and reminded that they established the Earthquake Monitoring and Assessment Centre to take preventive measures against such disasters.

The Prime Minister stressed that a protocol was signed with AFAD to prevent a potential earthquake from turning into a catastrophe and that the centre has been expanded.

“In addition to the 12 existing stations, three new earthquake monitoring stations have been installed, with the goal of reaching a total of 22 stations. The Earthquake Monitoring and Control Centre provides us with real-time information. We are prioritizing key issues for our people, one by one. We are conducting evaluations at the highest level in cooperation with the Republic of Türkiye. I extend my gratitude to the Turkish President, the Turkish Vice President, the Turkish Embassy, and the KEİ Office, and I wish the new equipment to be beneficial” Prime Minister Üstel said.

After the speeches, Prime Minister Üstel and several ministers attending the event toured the exhibition area and received information about the renewed inventory.

Following the tour, meals prepared in the Mobile Kitchen were served to attendees.