[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 85 (Thursday, June 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2000

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, on June 6, the citizens of Turkey 
were once again reminded that the ground beneath them is not always 
stable. An earthquake, which registered 5.9 on the Richter scale, shook 
the Cankiri province in Central Anatolia, but its reverberations were 
felt in Ankara, Bolu, Duzce, Kirikkale, Corum and Kastamonu. There were 
at least three casualties, and 81 people injured, and considerable 
damage to buildings nearby.
  I visited Turkey last January, after it had experienced significant, 
earthquakes in August and November of 1999 resulting in the death of 
more than 17,000 people and the estimated loss of property of $40 
billion. The Turkish people impressed me with their resilience and 
strength. Individuals from all walks of life rallied to assist those 
that had been less fortunate.
  This latest earthquake is another example of the difficult task ahead 
for the Turkish Government and its people. The good news is that some 
of the world's foremost scientists in both Turkey and the U.S. have 
been studying the Anatolian fault, which runs east to west along the 
length of Turkey. This cooperation between our two nations has not only 
led to an increased understanding of the potential earthquake dangers 
in Turkey but also in the United States.
  Unfortunately, most earthquake experts suspect that another severe 
earthquake will hit Turkey in the next two decades. The earthquake is 
likely to hit near Istanbul along the Anatolian fault. Such a quake is 
likely to be devastating. More needs to be done to prepare for this 
eventuality.
  The Turkish Daily News reported that the Turkish government, which 
was criticized for being late to take measures after the 1999 
earthquakes, was prompt to reacting to the June 6 quake. Officials said 
that with the lessons they had learned from the previous disaster, they 
were well organized and fulfilled their promise to send immediate help 
to the region.
  I hope this portends well for the future. Dealing with the 
destructive power of earthquakes--as Turkey and so much of the World 
has discovered--is something that requires immense advance planning.
  By continuing to work together, U.S. and Turkish scientists can help 
by increasing our understanding of the phenomena, enabling generalized 
predictions and improved building design. I look forward to continuing 
this close working relationship between U.S. and Turkish scientists.
  During this difficult and challenging period, our hearts and thoughts 
are with the citizens of Turkey. Working together, I hope we can reduce 
the pain of these terrible earthquake tragedies.

                          ____________________