A recent disaster study in Türkiye’s Izmir revealed alarming details about the city’s building stock. Out of nearly 903,000 buildings in 30 districts, 50% urgently need safety checks, and 36% were found to be illegal. Prof. Dr. Celalettin Kozanoğlu of Izmir University of Economics highlighted the severity, stating, “Izmir is frightening, but fear is of no use to death.” He emphasized the need for immediate action, noting the city’s vulnerability due to its aging infrastructure. This study underscores the urgent necessity for urban transformation to mitigate earthquake risks.
The death toll from the July 4 floods in Texas, USA, has climbed to 131, with 97 people still missing. Governor Greg Abbott said most fatalities occurred in Kerrville, particularly at Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp. Search efforts continue in the Guadalupe River area.