Comprehensive Disaster Drill on Civil Defense Day, February 28
As Beykoz University, we conducted a comprehensive drill on the occasion of Civil Defense Day on February 28. Simultaneous earthquake drills were carried out across all our campuses with the participation of our students, academic, and administrative staff. Meanwhile, Beykoz University’s Disaster Search and Rescue Team (BÜDAK) conducted practical drills with two different scenarios, enhancing our preparedness for disasters.
As the first foundation university accredited by AFAD, we organized these drills to improve our level of disaster preparedness and reinforce how we should act quickly, consciously, and in a coordinated manner during crises. The drills officially began at 11:30 AM on February 28, 2025, with an announcement by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Burak Küntay.
Drills with Realistic Scenarios
Beykoz University’s Disaster Search and Rescue Team (BÜDAK) played a critical role during the drill. Prior to the simultaneous earthquake drills across all campuses, a disaster coordination center was set up at the Kavacık Campus Parking Lot. After the drills, Group 1 of the BÜDAK volunteers carried out a search-and-rescue exercise in the Riva Alibahadır Forest, while the second group conducted a rubble drill in coordination with the disaster response teams at AFAD Tuzla Anatolian Yakası Unit.
Disaster Preparedness is Critical for Community Safety
Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Burak Küntay, emphasized the importance of the drills, saying: “Disaster preparedness is not only an individual responsibility but a critical necessity for community safety. As the first foundation university accredited by AFAD, we are raising awareness among our students and staff about potential disasters and ensuring they are able to respond correctly and swiftly during crises. The drills we conducted on February 28, in conjunction with the Civil Defense Day and the March 1-7 Earthquake Week, are a valuable step toward increasing disaster awareness and creating consciousness within society. The scenarios applied today have once again highlighted the importance of correct intervention and coordination during disasters. We will continue strengthening these efforts.”
We would like to thank the Directorate of Health, Culture, and Sports for coordinating the drills and the BÜDAK team for their invaluable contributions.
This content was updated on 28/02/2025.