The deadly earthquake that has struck Turkey's southeast highlights the importance of providing incentives for the construction of safe buildings and establishing preventive and response measures in the world's most dangerous quake zones, a senior United Nations official said Monday. 

Rescue teams in Turkey continue their search for people trapped under rubble after a strong earthquake on 23 October 2011. [un.org]

The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction Margareta Wahlström said there was still room for improvement in Turkey’s building practices, but praised its progress, saying: “Turkey’s seismic code provides the basis for safer structures and better urban planning.

“The country has made progress in Istanbul and elsewhere in retrofitting and rebuilding public buildings, schools and hospitals to the required standard. There has been vigorous prosecution of corrupt municipal officials for allowing unlicensed construction,” she said.

But she noted that new buildings that follow safety standards are not the only way to minimize disaster damages, pointing to the importance of preventive measures in areas with old and poor quality buildings.

“Despite any rebuilding or retrofitting and enforcement of standards for new construction, it is clear that in most earthquake zones there are large existing stocks of poor-quality buildings so preparedness measures are essential.”

Ms. Wahlström also commended the Turkish Government’s quick response to yesterday’s quake, saying it has been “fast and efficient with the dispatch of over 1,500 search, rescue and health personnel to the affected areas with impressive logistical support.”

At least 70 people reportedly died when athe7.2-magnitude quake shattered more than 1,000 buildings near the city of Van, while an unknown number remain trapped under rubble.

The President of the General Assembly, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, expressed his sadness and sent his deep sympathies to the Government and people of Turkey for their loss. He commended the country’s authorities and the various rescue groups for their rapid response and diligent assistance.

He also stressed the need for all Member States to do more to improving disaster preparedness and response, saying the issue that is one of the key focus areas for the current 66th session of the Assembly.

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