Comprehensive investigation of damage due to 2023 Kahramanmaras,Earthquakes in Türkiye: Causes, consequences, and mitigation

On February 6th, 2023, two strong earthquakes struck Kahramanmaras, in T & uuml;rkiye, causing the destruction and damage of many buildings and the loss of more than 50,000 lives. Within the scope of this study, extensive field reconnaissance and observations were carried out in the affected area immediately after the earthquakes. Damage to different types of structures was investigated in detail, taking into account the earthquake records. Among the structures examined are residential buildings, bridges, hospitals, historical buildings, places of worship, grain silos, water tanks, stadiums, and retaining walls. While accelerations exceeding the design spectrum were recorded in some regions, widespread structural defects were considered to be the most important causes of collapse and damage. In light of the data obtained, determinations and recommendations were made to prevent future earthquakes from becoming disasters.