1893 Malatya Earthquake And Disaster Management

Although the earthquake, occurred in 3th of March 1893 effected the whole province of Mamuretülaziz and some neighboring settlements,it took the main destructive effect in the sanjak centre of Malatya and in the towns and villages which are connected to this sanjak such as Hısnımansur (Adıyaman), Kâhta, Behisni (Besni) and Akçadağ, and caused destruction in many settlements. During the earthquake, more than ten thousand buildings were demolished or damaged in several extents; 885 people died; more than ten thousand cattle, sheep and goat perished. The aftershocks of the earthquake continued for more than a year. The earthquake occurred in winter time and this made the lives of the earthquake victims so hard, they had to live in tents and sheds for some time, moreover it accelerated the epidemics. Having the number of the victims who couldn’t be accommodated very high, it caused some problems in satisfying the need for shelter. Taking in consideration the size of the earthquake, along with Mamuretülaziz province, the government had whip-round in whole Ottoman lands in the name of the victims. By way of the ‘’Special Commission (Komisyon-ı Mahsus)’’ which was established in sanjak centre Malatya, the food and shelter needs of the poor victims were satisfied, also cash was given so that they build permanent shelters. The earthquake victims, felt appreciation from the attention and help given to them, never neglected to pray for the soltan on all occasions