Embassy help after a natural disaster
Natural Disasters
Many parts of Turkey lie on a major seismic fault line and are subject to earthquakes and tremors. In August 1999 an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale resulted in over 17,000 deaths when it struck Izmit, a town 55 miles south of Istanbul.
The Turkish Government will be responsible for assisting foreigners immediately after a major earthquake or serious natural disaster. It is important to co-operate with these authorities. The British Embassy in Ankara the Consulate-General in Istanbul and our other Consulates in Turkey will try and find out where British nationals affected by the disaster are, checking on their condition. We will pass information about your welfare back to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, or to your relatives.
