Background

Türkiye is situated in a seismically active region, with a history of significant earthquakes that have led to substantial loss of life, economic disruption, and damage to infrastructure. The country's rapid urbanization and the presence of numerous buildings constructed before the introduction of modern building codes contribute to its vulnerability to seismic events. Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest city, is of particular concern due to its high population density, economic significance, and the potential impact of a major earthquake. The city has a mix of old and new structures, with many residential buildings constructed before the year 2000, when the country's modern building codes were introduced. These older structures are often not designed to withstand significant seismic forces, making them particularly susceptible to damage or collapse in the event of an earthquake.

Given this context, there is a critical need to understand the costs associated with retrofitting and reconstructing buildings to meet current seismic safety standards. The World Bank was interested in preparing accurate unit cost estimations for both reconstruction and retrofitting scenarios. Such estimations are essential for planning, budgeting, and implementing risk reduction activities.  Additionally, preparing seismic impact scenarios for Istanbul is imperative to quantify the potential post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction costs, identify the most vulnerable structures, and inform prioritization of interventions that can mitigate the risks posed by earthquakes.

Duration: 2024