Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Türkiye (AFAD)

The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency is a governmental disaster management agency operating under the Turkish Ministry of Interior. The organisation was established in 2009 to take necessary measures for effective emergency management and civil protection nationwide in Turkey. The presidency conducts pre-incident work, such as preparedness, mitigation and risk management, during-incident work such as response, and post-incident work such as recovery and reconstruction. AFAD reports to the Turkish Ministry of Interior.

Amongst the governmental, NGO and private institutions, the presidency provides coordination, formulates policies and implements policies.

In a disaster and emergency, the AFAD is the sole responsible state-run organization.

Two consecutive major earthquakes in 1999, the 1999 ?zmit earthquake and the 1999 Duzce earthquake, became the turning point in disaster management in Turkey. These earthquakes put pre-disaster planning and preparation on the agenda of the government and the general population of the country.

At that time, Turkey's Disaster Management System was mainly focused on the post-disaster period, and there were no incentives or legislation to encourage risk analysis or risk reduction approaches before earthquakes occur. Both the academic and the technical authorities agreed that the country had a pressing need to develop pre-disaster precautions, and that would require both updated legislation and administrative restructuring.

The AFAD was established in 2009 during the Government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. By the Act No. 5902 dated May 29, 2009 and Establishment of Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency; General Directorate of Turkey Emergency Management under Prime Ministry, General Directorate of Civil Defence under Ministry of Interior, General Directorate of Disaster Affairs under Ministry of Public Works and Settlement were closed. Three core institutions have unified under a single independent authority with the act adopted by the Parliament and entered into force in June, 2009. The new institution was named Afet ve Acil Durum Yonetimi Baskanligi (Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency) or AFAD.

After the 2017 constitutional referendum and the subsequent 2018 presidential election AFAD has started to operate under the Turkish Ministry of Interior. In 2018, the institution was involved in the established of nine schools in the Syrian territory occupied by Turkey. Following the earthquake of February 2023, the AFAD was involved in rescuing the affected population.

Disaster and emergency preparedness: AFAD aims to ensure that Turkey is adequately prepared to respond to natural and man-made disasters. This involves developing and implementing emergency response plans, conducting disaster simulations and drills, and identifying potential hazards and risks.

Disaster and emergency response: AFAD's primary role is to coordinate the response to disasters and emergencies in Turkey. This includes mobilizing resources and personnel, providing emergency shelter, distributing food and water, and coordinating search and rescue operations.

Risk reduction and mitigation: AFAD works to reduce the risk of disasters and mitigate their impact. This involves identifying and mapping disaster-prone areas, improving infrastructure and building codes, and educating the public on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Humanitarian aid and international assistance: AFAD provides humanitarian aid and assistance to countries affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. This involves coordinating relief efforts, providing medical and food assistance, and supporting the recovery and reconstruction process.

Capacity building and training: AFAD provides training and education to local authorities, emergency responders, and communities to improve their disaster preparedness and response capabilities. This includes training in search and rescue, first aid, and disaster management.

Improved disaster preparedness and response: AFAD has significantly improved Turkey's disaster preparedness and response capabilities, by developing and implementing emergency response plans, conducting disaster simulations and drills, and providing training and education to emergency responders and communities.

Effective disaster response: AFAD has played a key role in coordinating the response to natural and man-made disasters in Turkey, including earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. Its quick response and effective coordination have helped to save lives and minimize damage.

Increased public awareness: AFAD has raised public awareness of the importance of disaster preparedness and response, through education and awareness-raising campaigns. This has helped to improve the resilience of communities and reduce the impact of disasters.

International humanitarian assistance: AFAD has provided humanitarian assistance and support to countries affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Its international relief efforts have helped to alleviate the suffering of those affected and demonstrate Turkey's commitment to global humanitarian efforts.

Enhanced capacity building: AFAD's training and education programs have enhanced the capacity of local authorities, emergency responders, and communities to respond to disasters and emergencies. This has helped to build a more resilient and prepared society in Turkey.