Hydrological, Seismic, and Drought Hazard Analysis for Batman Province within a Disaster Management Framework

OpenAlex Türkçe

This study investigates the disaster potential of Batman Province, located in Southeastern Turkey, with a particular focus on flood and earthquake risks. Utilizing meteorological, hydrological, geological, and structural data sets, the research examines the frequency and intensity of recent disasters and assesses the region’s vulnerability through spatial and statistical analyses. Findings reveal that rapid urbanization, poor soil conditions, high groundwater levels, and outdated building stock significantly exacerbate both hydrological and seismic hazards. Detailed assessments of the 2006 and 2023 flood events expose critical weaknesses in drainage systems and urban planning, while structural damage observed after the February 6, 2023 earthquakes underscores the region's susceptibility due to soil liquefaction and corrosion-related degradation in reinforced concrete. Additionally, field surveys indicate a lack of performance-based assessments and widespread unauthorized retrofitting practices that compromise building integrity. The study proposes an integrated disaster management model tailored for medium-sized cities like Batman, emphasizing proactive inspections, sustainable land-use planning, institutional coordination, and community-based resilience. The findings contribute to disaster mitigation literature by highlighting the necessity of multi-disciplinary approaches in hazard-prone urban areas. The outcomes offer valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners aiming to enhance disaster preparedness and reduce long-term vulnerabilities in high-risk regions such as Southeastern Anatolia.