Canadian experts went to Turkey to study devastating earthquakes

Canadian experts visited Turkey in June to study the effects of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on February 6, 2023. The group comprised eight men and women from the University of British Columbia and Engineers and Geoscientists.

According to the Times Colonist, the experts traveled 10 hours a day and visited 18 severely damaged municipalities. They analyzed the impacts of the quake and the factors that caused certain buildings to collapse when others nearby did not. They also gained insight into the recovery and rebuilding process.

British Columbia is predicted to experience a megaquake in the range of magnitude 9, and the group also examined what the Turkey quake and its aftershocks could mean for earthquake risk management and preparedness.

The experts found that Canada's building codes have improved over the years but still need to be updated to reflect the latest technology and research. They also found that British Columbia needs to start preparing for the aftermath of a megaquake, including having shelters in place and ensuring that essential services such as electricity and transportation can continue to operate.

Tony Yang, a professor of civil engineering at the University of British Columbia, said that "the minimum is no longer enough" when it comes to earthquake preparedness.

The experts advise Canada to start preparing for the Big One now. They recommend updating their earthquake preparedness kits, talking to their families and friends about what to do in an earthquake, and getting involved in their community's earthquake preparedness efforts.