Construction is taking place on a massive scale over shallow groundwater, and sometimes even on former riverbeds
We’re used to thinking that concrete lining and diverting urban rivers can “only” lead to flooding during heavy rains. But there’s a much greater and invisible danger that’s hardly ever discussed: seismic risk.
The tragedy in Turkey in 2023 taught us a very harsh lesson. If we look at the center of Kahramanmaraş (and cities like Antakya), we’ll see that the most extensive and apocalyptic destruction following the earthquake was concentrated in specific areas.
Why? Because these were old riverbeds and floodplains.
