Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) established “Earthquake Research and Application Center” with the purpose of reducing the risks that may arise during earthquakes and fostering a disaster-prepared society. The center aims to identify earthquake risks in Cyprus and surrounding regions, raise public awareness, develop sustainable disaster management strategies, and map current fault lines. The center is led by Prof. Dr. Mahmood Hosseini, a faculty member at EMU Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering.
Strong Collaboration with the Experts of Türkiye
The center will carry out scientific research to provide valuable insights into both the island of Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean region. Expert academics from the Republic of Türkiye will contribute to the management or advisory board in areas such as seismic activity, artificial intelligence applications, disaster management education, emergency medicine, disaster anthropology, disaster risk management, and mass movements.
The center will conduct scientific studies to examine ground movements in Cyprus, which is located in an earthquake-prone area due to tectonic activity in the Eastern Mediterranean, and assess their impact on structures. Moreover, it aims to analyze earthquake data and share the results with relevant public authorities, while also evaluating building safety after earthquakes and offering recommendations for necessary improvements.
The center also plans to conduct research on protecting archaeological, historical, and cultural heritage sites from potential earthquakes, as well as prepare reports evaluating the condition of these sites following an earthquake
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç highlighted the importance of the Earthquake Research and Application Center established at EMU, emphasizing that earthquakes cause not only physical destruction but also significant social and economic damage to communities. Reflecting on the devastating earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on 6 February 2023, Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted the physical and emotional impact these disasters had on both Türkiye and Cyprus. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stressed the critical need for preparedness and post-earthquake actions, pointing out that raising awareness in this area is essential. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Kılıç underlined that earthquake readiness is a crucial responsibility and expressed confidence that the center’s scientific research will contribute to disaster management efforts in both Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean.