Bursa mayor warns 7.0 magnitude earthquake could destroy 28,000 buildings

During an Iftar dinner organized by the Bursa Industrialists and Businesspeople Association (BUSIAD), Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, Mayor Mustafa Bozbey revealed alarming statistics about Bursa’s earthquake preparedness.

The city has 628,000 buildings, 122,000 of which are considered risky, Bozbey said. In the event of a 7.0-magnitude earthquake, 28,000 buildings could be destroyed.

Vision for resilient Bursa

BUSIAD Chairman Bugra Kucukkayalar emphasized the need for urban transformation, stating: “We cannot change the past, but we can shape and transform the future with the experiences we have gained.”

He highlighted the organization’s “Bursa Developing with Industry, Agriculture, and Tourism,” vision document and shared their “A Plan is Essential for a Livable City!” report with the public.

Bursa’s environmental master plan

Bozbey presented Bursa’s 1/100,000 Environmental Master Plan, aiming to complete it by January 2026.

He also discussed the city’s water shortage, air pollution, and tourism efforts, urging for more support and collaboration from the business community.

A call for action: Reducing earthquake risks

In his presentation, Bozbey shared stark figures regarding earthquake risk, emphasizing the urgency of urban transformation.

“Out of 628,000 buildings, 122,000 are at risk. In a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, 28,000 buildings could collapse,” he warned.

Addressing water issues, air quality, and tourism, Bozbey stressed the need for a comprehensive city constitution that would guide Bursa’s development.