The “The Earthquake Lasts, But Its Effects Remain” event, held at Near East University, brought together expert academics and civil society organizations under one roof.
The effects of earthquakes are not limited to the moment they occur. They continue to leave long-term impacts on people’s mental and physical health afterward. The “The Earthquake Lasts, But Its Effects Remain” event, held at Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world, was organized with the aim of better understanding these effects and increasing public awareness. Held in Room 101 of the Near East University Hospital, the event focused on the psychological and physiological effects of earthquakes from a multi-dimensional perspective.
Organized in collaboration with the Near East University Student Dean’s Office, the Faculty of Medicine, the Medical Student Union (NEUMSA), and the Earthquake and Soil Research and Assessment Center (DEPZEM), the event brought together experts in the field. At the event, DEPZEM President Prof. Dr. Cavit Atalar, Hüseyin Soybir, Search and Rescue Manager of the Civil Defense Organization, Dr. İlker Gelişen from the Near East University Joint Courses Coordination Office, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. M. Haluk Özbay, Acting Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the Near East University Faculty of Medicine, participated as speakers. The presentations comprehensively addressed the psychological effects of earthquakes, their consequences on physical health, and approaches to protecting public health.
The event, which brought together students, academics, and civil society organizations, also emphasized the importance of professional support processes after disasters and shared solutions for protecting the long-term well-being of individuals and society. The program, which attracted significant interest from participants, revealed that the reality of earthquakes is not limited to physical destruction, but also emphasized their lasting effects on mental health and quality of life. The opening speech of the event, moderated by Assist. Prof. Dr. Gizem Söyler from the Faculty of Medicine, was given by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan. The program concluded with a question-and-answer session. Dr. Mocan presented appreciation plaques to the participants.
Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan: “Earthquakes and natural disasters are not fate; their effects can be reduced by taking necessary precautions.”
Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Near East University, stated that academics consider it a responsibility to share their knowledge and experience with society, physicians, and students. Recalling the symposium they organized after the February 6th earthquake, Prof. Dr. Mocan noted that this event was a continuation of the same sense of responsibility.
Emphasizing that earthquakes and natural disasters should not be seen as “fate,” Prof. Dr. Mocan stated that this approach hinders the taking of necessary precautions. Emphasizing that the effects of disasters can be significantly reduced with by practicing scientific knowledge, education, and proper planning, Prof. Dr. Mocan said that the university will continue to fulfill its duty in this regard.
In her speech, Prof. Dr. Mocan also touched upon the losses experienced during the February 6th earthquakes. Mocan, recalling that tens of thousands of citizens, as well as students and an academic from the university, lost their lives, commemorated those who perished. Stating that this great tragedy left deep scars on society, Prof. Dr. Mocan emphasized that the way to mitigate the effects of similar disasters is possible by application of scientific knowledge, raising awareness, and taking necessary precautions in advance.
