EReS Public Awareness Events in Çanakkale: Strengthening Earthquake Resilience in Schools

On February 27-28, 2025, a series of impactful awareness-raising events took place in Çanakkale, Türkiye, as part of the Earthquake Resilient Schools (EReS) Project. These events, organized under the project’s Dissemination and Communication activities, aimed to enhance earthquake preparedness in school communities through education, collaboration, and innovative methodologies.

The Greece-Türkiye Cross-Border Area (CBA) is a seismically active region, making earthquake risk mitigation a priority. Funded by the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), the EReS Project focuses on reducing earthquake-related risks in schools by harmonizing methodologies, sharing data, and fostering close cooperation between key institutions.

Project Consortium and Partners

The EReS initiative is a joint effort between Greek and Turkish organizations, including:
✅ International Hellenic University (IHU) – Greece
✅ Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) – Türkiye
✅ Institute of Engineering Seismology and Earthquake Engineering (ITSAK) – Greece
✅ Gebze Technical University (GTU) – Türkiye

Highlights of the Çanakkale Workshop

🔹 A “School Seismology” training session introduced nearly 20 students from six schools to key concepts in earthquake geology, seismology, and engineering.
🔹 A public awareness workshop brought together project experts, university academics, and local authorities to discuss earthquake hazards in Çanakkale and effective mitigation strategies.
🔹 The project has successfully implemented:
✔ A standardized framework for earthquake-related data harmonization.
✔ Joint seismic hazard and risk assessments for school buildings in both Greece and Türkiye.
✔ A real-time observation methodology using next-generation, low-cost accelerometers in 24 schools across both countries.
✔ Awareness-raising initiatives, including:

School Seismology Guidelines & Training
Informational Leaflets
Awareness Events at Schools

By strengthening collaboration between institutions and engaging local communities, the EReS Project is making schools safer and more resilient against seismic risks.

Photos of the Event

Project meeting