As part of 1–7 March Earthquake Week, an earthquake preparedness drill was held at Diyarbakır Sports High School under the joint organisation of Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality and the Ministry of National Education’s Search and Rescue Unit (MEB AKUB), in order to raise disaster awareness and help students learn how to respond appropriately in the event of an earthquake.

The drill, coordinated by the Department of Disaster Affairs and Risk Management and MEB AKUB, brought together 37 personnel and 355 students at Diyarbakır Sports High School. Teams from various institutions worked in coordination throughout the exercise, demonstrating in practice the interventions required in the event of a possible disaster. The drill involved 5 Fire Brigade personnel, 8 staff members from Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality’s Department of Disaster Affairs and Risk Management, 29 MEB AKUB personnel, 8 UMKE personnel and 6 AFAD personnel.

Teams shared first-hand earthquake experience

Before the practical exercise, high school students were briefed in three separate classrooms by three different teams on what should be done in disaster situations, particularly during earthquakes. During these sessions, the teams also shared their experiences from the 6 February 2023 earthquakes centred in Pazarcık and Elbistan, districts of Kahramanmaraş. Students were also given the opportunity to ask questions about disasters and emergency response.

Theoretical training reinforced through practice

Following the theoretical sessions, the drill moved into the practical stage with a simulated earthquake scenario, during which students were safely evacuated. The teams also carried out hands-on exercises involving the rescue of injured people trapped under debris, the administration of first aid, and their transfer to safe areas.

The drill aimed to help foster disaster awareness among students while also strengthening inter-institutional coordination.

Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality will continue its public awareness and information activities on disasters and emergencies.