TURKEY AND SYRIA EARTHQUAKE
OpenStreetMap data use in response, recovery, and climate smart reconstruction
Introduction
In the early hours of Monday, 6th February 2023, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit near Gaziantep, Türkiye, followed by another 7.5-magnitude tremor just after midday. This disaster stands out as one of the most severe calamities witnessed this century. The widespread damage and impacts on the population, underscore the imperative for a technical and strategic approach for safe and sustainable building practices and climate-smart reconstruction. Now there is an opportunity to rebuild with resilience, fostering communities that are better equipped to withstand future seismic events and adapt to the challenges imposed by a changing climate.
Impact
At least 15.73 million people across Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria were impacted by the earthquakes, with a tragic loss of over 55,000 lives ( World Vision ). Numerous homes were destroyed, while vital infrastructure such as hospitals, roads, and bridges suffered severe damage. Even three months after the disaster, approximately 2.7 million people continued to endure life in tents, lacking proper shelter (BRC 2023) .
Turkey experienced extensive destruction, with cities like...
...Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, Kilis, Matalya, Osmaniye, and Sanliurfa witnessing the collapse of buildings.
Smoke billows from the scene of collapsed buildings on Feb. 07, 2023 in Hatay, Turkey.
Source: Burak Kara/Getty Images
Meanwhile, in Syria, where the death toll surpassed 7,000, reports emerged of buildings crumbling in Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, and Hamma governorates.
Syrian soldiers use heavy machinery to sift through the rubble of a collapsed building in Aleppo.
Compounding impacts of conflict and disasters The ongoing conflict has not only weakened the country's infrastructure but also severely hampered society's ability to mitigate risks.
The region is already grappling with millions of internally displaced persons. It is estimated that up to 5.3 million in Syria may be homeless after the quake ( UNHCR 2023 ).
Image: A man who evacuated his home warms up next to a fire on a street, in the aftermath of the earthquake, in Aleppo, Syria February 8, 2023. Source: Reuters 2023
Open Mapping Data Creation
Mapping Campaigns across Turkey and Syria in February 2023
Maps are crucial for disaster response to identify impacted households and at-risk essential services like hospitals, and routes for responders. However, not all communities are mapped equally, and disasters can quickly change mapped areas.
Since 2009, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) has responded to map areas in need of information for disaster response. Much of this data is the result of a huge solidarity effort from thousands of OpenStreetMap (OSM) contributors in both the affected countries and around the world. In Turkey, Yer Cizenler , a local OSM Community, coordinated the mapping efforts with HOT and other stakeholders to support the mapping effort. Core activities included:
- 16 tasking manager projects to map building footprints and roads covering 5 towns/districts in Turkey and 7 districts in Syria.
- A data ethics and protection assessment to responsibly respond to information requests in Syria, and involved partners to review it.
- OSM data access for Turkey and Syria with daily updates to HOT's Humanitarian Data Exchange Page .
Example mapping campaign in HOT's Tasking Manager
- Open dataset for destroyed buildings in Turkey: Recognizing the urgent need for a single comprehensive dataset for destroyed buildings, Yer utilized MapRoulette to crowdsource compiling multiple data sources to mark destroyed buildings in OSM. Source data of the damage assessment included Copernicus EMS and Istanbul Technical University, Implementation and Research Center for Satellite Communications and Remote Sensing (CSCRS).
Buildings marked as destroyed in OSM by the February 2023 earthquakes. Select the buttons below to change between the heat map and viewing the damaged buildings markers.
Destroyed buildings in the city of Islahiye.
Satellite images provide a detailed view of the destruction, showcasing collapsed structures and severe deformations.
(Imagery source: MAXAR 2023)
OSM Data in Disaster Response
By utilizing OSM data, decision-makers can gain insights of the exposure to various hazards and other impacts on people and their homes (e.g. highlighting areas with building types vulnerable to seismic events) to make informed choices in improving disaster response.
The mapping response to the Turkey and Syria earthquake has once again shown the power of OSM data to support disaster response.
Road Networks
Earthquakes pose navigation challenges as they damage internet, cellular networks, and disrupt roads and bridges, rendering pre-quake navigation data inaccurate. For Dr. Çevik, an Ankara surgeon providing life-saving care in earthquake-affected communities in the Hatay region, Organic Maps and the OSM data it relies on were vital in ensuring timely medical assistance reached those in need.
Dr Çevik's message to mappers: "Thank you all, you are doing really great work"
Critical Infrastructure
OSM provides contains information on critical infrastructure like hospitals, pharmacies, food depots, transportation nodes, and settlements. This data is crucial for organizations like the World Food Programme to understand field conditions before and after earthquakes, aiding logistics planning. Without this data, efficiently coordinating the movement of goods, resources, and personnel in the aftermath of a major earthquake would be significantly more challenging.
Earthquake impact assessment using OSM. Source: HOT 2023
Base Maps
OSM rapidly generates maps in areas without pre-existing data. After the earthquake, aid agencies like AKUT and AFAD utilized OSM's real-time updates and open access to coordinate logistics efficiently. Knowledge of the built environment facilitated better decision-making to reach and understand the needs of affected people, as well as identify local infrastructure resources.
Imagery and Building Damage
By utilising government data, a copernicus damage analysis, and pre-disaster OSM building footprints (over 1.6 million mapped to date via the HOT Tasking Manager), a geospatial analysis was conducted. This analysis enabled precise identification of the location of each destroyed building, assisting in strategic planning for relief and recovery efforts.
"South-East Turkey Earthquake: Building damage composite of available sources for highlighted cities" using OSM/HOT data February 16 2023.
Dr Mehmet Uçum shares his experience from the field on how OpenStreetMap data is used for public health programming in the Turkey earthquake response and how it can support recovery in the long-term.
The detailed dataset of destroyed buildings, created by OSM volunteers during the response phase, serves as a valuable resource for identifying priority areas for reconstruction.
Image: A Turkish soldier walks among destroyed buildings in Hatay after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the country's southeast. Source: Yasin Akgul/Getty Images
This data can also help authorities allocate resources efficiently, determine suitable locations for new infrastructure, and ensure that climate-smart reconstruction practices are implemented. By incorporating OSM data into the recovery efforts, stakeholders can make informed decisions, promote resilience, and work towards restoring communities in a sustainable and adaptive manner.
Image: After two weeks of recovery efforts in Turkey, focus is now starting to turn to the rebuilding effort. Source: Image: Francisco Seco/AP/picture alliance
OSM's open and collaborative approach continues to empower individuals and organizations to actively participate in the recovery process, fostering community engagement and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the reconstruction efforts.
Image: In Turkey, entire buildings collapsed while others just meters away remained standing. Source: Image: DHA/AFP
OSM Data in Climate Smart Recovery and Reconstruction
In recent years, discussions on reconstruction have started considering climate change and climate related hazards and incorporating climate smart programming into reconstruction in conflict and disaster settings. Data informed decisions are critical to effectively "building back better".
OpenStreetMap (OSM) datasets of settlements, infrastructure, buildings and destruction in Turkey and Syria holds immense potential for supporting climate-smart reconstruction efforts. By leveraging this data in the planning and decision-making processes, actors can gain valuable insights into historic damages as well as future exposure and vulnerability of different areas and prioritize climate resilience in reconstruction efforts.
How can OSM datasets support climate smart reconstruction in Turkey and Syria?
Kırıkhan, located in the northeastern region of Hatay Province, Turkey, is a town rich in history and strategic significance.
Situated at the junction of the route connecting İskenderun and Aleppo, as well as the major east-west road linking Antakya and Kahramanmaraş, the town serves as a vital crossroads in the region.
The openly available OSM data enables the visualization of the city's building pattern, providing a clear representation of the architectural layout...
... and taking it a step further, allows to create a virtual model of the built environment of Kırıkhan from OSM data.
Adding in the OSM dataset of destroyed buildings (in red) visualises the impacts of the earthquake on the built environment.
In Kirikhan, around 63.537 people were affected and 1561 buildings were damaged or destroyed.
(Source: International Charter Space and Major Disasters 2023).
The virtual model created from OSM data allows insights into the local setting of the built environment and damaged areas.
It also enables the exploration from multiple perspectives of different areas and their exposure and impacts.
Select one of the red marked buildings in the scene to open a text box with additional information of the building.
How can OSM data support climate smart reconstruction considering climate hazards?
Following the Karasu Çayı river downstream, leads to the city Antakya.
Antakya is partly exposed to flood hazard...
Flood data: Flood Hazard 100 year return period. Source: UNEP 2023
...caused by riverine flooding of the Karasu Çayı river.
Flood data: Flood Hazard 100 year return period. Source: UNEP 2023
Some buildings destroyed in February 2023 by the earthquakes are in areas prone to flood risk.
By incorporating flood adaptation measures in reconstruction strategies, we not only mitigate the risk of future earthquake impacts but also minimize the potential consequences of floods.
Another example is located across the border in Syria. UNOSAT conducted a remote sensing damage assessments of buildings in Syria shortly after the earthquake.
Jindires For example, damages were assessed in Jindires and the surrounding area.
Damages were detected from a very high resolution Pleiades satellite image acquired on 10th February 2023. Within the 17 locations analyzed (including the city of Jindires), UNOSAT identified 310 damaged structures and 470 potentially damaged structures.
Also in this case, OSM provides a building footprint of the city...
Overlaying the results of UNOSAT's damage assessment and OSM building footprint draws a visual image of the damage pattern across the city.
"Bouncing forward" represents a transformative form of resilience, contrasting with the traditional notion of bouncing back. This concept, based on McWethy et al.'s (2019) definition, entails a shift in how individuals interact with their environment, embracing the fluid and dynamic nature of environmental change. Bouncing forward involves framing reconstruction through the lens of climate change and prioritizing climate smart activities. Rather than merely "building back" as emphasized in disaster risk reduction manuals, this approach encourages reimagining the future of a place, considering climate and environmental change as inevitable factors that will shape the living environments an livelihoods in the short and long term.
Recommendations
Locally lead Adaptation Engaging local communities in the decision-making process, empowering them to identify and implement climate adaptation strategies that align with their needs and priorities. This includes capacity building, knowledge sharing, and establishing early warning systems for climate-related hazards.
Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment The inclusion of Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCAs) in recovery projects is highly recommended, although it is not yet a widespread practice. By prioritizing the integration of VCAs into every recovery and reconstruction initiative, we can establish VCAs as a fundamental component of these projects, recognizing their potential as a crucial entry point for community-level climate action planning. Emphasizing the incorporation of VCAs ensures that our efforts comprehensively address the needs and vulnerabilities of communities, thereby enhancing their resilience and promoting effective climate action at the local level.
Integrating Climate Awareness and Community Trainings into Recovery Projects Incorporating climate awareness and community trainings as integral components of recovery projects can significantly enhance their effectiveness. Through targeted trainings, individuals can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to changing climatic conditions, mitigate risks, and foster long-term resilience. By fostering a climate-conscious approach, recovery projects can contribute not only to immediate rehabilitation but also to building sustainable and adaptive communities for the future.
OSM data set which provide essential information for the planning and implementation:
- Building footprint
- Building information on accessibility
- Social infrastructure (schools, kindergartens, elderly homes)
- Community and evacuation centres
- Places of worship
- Points of interest
Image: Palestine Red Crescent volunteer distributing food items while sharing laughs with a little girl affected by the earthquake in Syria. Source: Palestine Red Crescent Society 2023
Empowering field teams for climate smart project proposals It is crucial to ensure that field teams are provided with access to knowledge, good practices, and sources of inspiration for the incorporation of adaptation measures within their project proposals. By granting these teams access to the necessary information and inspirational resources, the seamless integration of adaptation strategies into project proposals can be facilitated. This proactive approach guarantees that project proposals are strengthened, innovative, and capable of addressing the evolving challenges posed by climate change. Ultimately, when relevant resources are made accessible, the capacity of field teams to implement adaptation measures is enhanced, and the overall resilience of projects is improved.
For example, ensuring that IDP camps are "climate smart" and equipped with essential infrastructure, such as early warning systems, is of paramount importance. By integrating climate resilience measures into the design and management of IDP camps, the safety and well-being of displaced populations can be enhanced. Early warning systems play a critical role in providing timely alerts and information about impending climate-related hazards, enabling proactive evacuation and response efforts. By prioritizing the implementation of such systems in IDP camps, the risks and vulnerabilities faced by displaced individuals in the face of climate extremes can be significantly reduced.
OSM data set which provide essential information for the planning and implementation:
- Building footprint
- Building roof material
- Social infrastructure
- Classified road system
- Community & Evacuation centres
- Water systems
- Points of interest
Image: Canadian Red Cross Volunteers Ready to Help Following Earthquakes in Syria, Turkey. Source: Canadian Red Cross 2023
Climate Risk Assessments Before designing resilient shelters and implementing interventions related to water, sanitation, livelihoods, and health (WASH and LLH), it is essential to conduct a comprehensive climate risk assessment. This assessment should ideally encompass multiple hazards and consider climate projections. It is crucial to undertake this assessment in the areas where reconstruction activities will take place. By undertaking this proactive approach, it can be ensured that our interventions are designed to withstand future climate challenges and maximize their long-term effectiveness.
It is essential to ensure that those climate risks assessments are considered in the design of the different sectoral interventions. For instance, if an assessment reveals a high likelihood of intense rainfall and subsequent floods in a specific region of Turkey, it becomes crucial to ensure that any infrastructure built takes into account these potential future impacts. Similarly, this is an opportune moment to raise awareness among delegates and project teams about designing interventions that anticipate and address potential heatwaves. By considering these climate risks during the project design phase, we can proactively enhance resilience and minimize the vulnerability of communities to climate-related hazards.
OSM data set which provide essential information for the planning and implementation:
- Building footprint
- Settlement locations
- Land use data
- Points of interest
- Classified road system
- Infrastructure
- Social infrastructure
- Rivers & water bodies
Image: Triggered by the February 6 earthquakes in Turkey, a landslide 500m across blocked a mountain road near Islahiye, Turkey. Source: Planet 2023
Sustainable Infrastructure Incorporating climate-smart principles into the construction of buildings and infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, by using resilient materials, energy-efficient designs, and incorporating renewable energy sources. For example, constructing buildings with improved insulation to reduce energy consumption and integrating renewable energy technologies like solar panels.
OSM data set which provide essential information for the planning and implementation:
- Building footprint
- Building roof material
- Location of infrastructure such as bridges, dams, etc.
- Classified road system
Image: Solar panels are seen on the roofs of buildings in Dana, Idlib province of Syria. Source: AFP Aaref Watad
Water Management and Conservation Implementing climate-resilient water management strategies, including the collection and storage of rainwater, promoting water-efficient irrigation systems, and improving water infrastructure to cope with increased variability in precipitation patterns and water scarcity.
OSM data set which provide essential information for the planning and implementation:
- Building footprint
- Building roof type & material, building height
- Land use data
- Rivers & water bodies
- Water points
- Infrastructure
Image: Rain water runoff from a roof. Source: Chari 2022
Urban Green Spaces and Urban Planning Designing cities and towns with green spaces, parks, and urban forests that serve as natural buffers against climate change impacts, absorb carbon dioxide, and enhance urban biodiversity. Due to the change in the urban structures caused by the earthquake impacts, city design can be reconsidered and provide opportunity for before missing urban green spaces. This approach improves air quality, mitigates heat island effects, and provides recreational spaces for communities.
OSM data set which provide essential information for the planning and implementation:
- Building footprint
- Land use data
- Points of interest
- Classified road system
- Location of trees
Image: Urban green space in Gaziantep, Turkey. Source: GoogleEarth 2023
Ecosystem Restoration and Conservation Rehabilitating and conserving natural ecosystems, such as forests, mountain slopes, wetlands, and coastal areas, which provide numerous ecological services, including carbon sequestration, flood regulation, and habitat preservation. Restoring degraded areas and protecting biodiversity helps enhance climate resilience and supports sustainable livelihoods. Restoration of mountain slope vegetation can stabilise the soil and prevent landslides occurrences like the ones triggered by the earthquake in Turkey.
OSM data set which provide essential information for the planning and implementation:
- Building footprint
- Settlement locations
- Land use data
- Points of interest
- Classified road system
- Infrastructure
- Nature conservation areas
Image: Triggered by the February 6 earthquakes in Turkey, a landslide 500m across blocked a mountain road near Islahiye, Turkey. Source: Planet 2023
These examples demonstrate how climate-smart reconstruction by leveraging OSM data can encompass a range of approaches tailored to the specific context of Syria and Turkey. By integrating climate considerations into the reconstruction process, these countries can build resilient and sustainable communities capable of adapting to climate change while promoting long-term well-being and prosperity. While leaving a legacy of resilience for future generations to thrive in the face of a changing climate, it allows the impacted communities to not just recover but 'bounce forward'.
Contact
If your organization or community needs additional mapping or support in Turkey or Syria related to the earthquakes, contact: info@hotosm.org For more information on this story map contact scholz@climatecentre.org and for information on climate smart reconstruction jaime@climatecentre.org.
