The earthquake in Southern Turkey & Syria is an unimaginable disaster. The loss of life numbers are terrible, a great tragedy in an already troubled region. Hoping the rescue effort can save some of the poor souls who may have survived.
It was heatbreaking hearing the rescuers berating themselves for not reaching people in time, they're doing an amazing job in such tragic circumstances.
There was a biggish earthquake in Turkey around 20 years ago and questions were being asked about the poor building regulation then. I see some are asking the same questions now. Human lives at stake ffs.
A demonstration of ''man's arrogance" Little men like Putin start wars, Industrialist, bankers, politicians and financiers think they rule the World until nature has it's say... It take men years to design and construct buildings and nature less than 60 seconds to raze it to the ground be it via Tornadoes, Tsunamis, Floods and Earthquakes. We think science is the answer to everything. Nature decides otherwise! What seems to be coming to light is the 'amnesty system' that has been, and still is, operating in Turkey where construction companies can flout building regulation and pay fines when amnesty periods are announced. Here in Italy, the 'amnesty system' did (and I think still does) operate occasionally. HOWEVER, it only applies to minor works e.g. a garden shed or an external garden wall, built without planning permission. Roofing work must be carried out by specialist certificated (and expensive) companies and made 'Earthquake proof'. Of course there are still thousands of houses in medieval town and village centres that do not comply to modern building standards but any renovation and new build must comply with strict codes.
