Country: Türkiye Source: World Bank Please refer to the attached file. WASHINGTON, August 8, 2025—The World Bank has approved a $650 million loan to support the Istanbul Resilience Project, a critical investment to strengthen the city’s emergency preparedness and response capacities for disasters and climate risks. Focused on protecting lives, livelihoods, and economic activity in Türkiye’s largest city, the project aims to improve Istanbul’s resilience.With Istanbul generating nearly one-third of Türkiye’s gross domestic product (GDP) and home to over 15 million people, the city’s vulnerability to earthquakes and climate shocks poses risks not only to its population but also to the national economy. The project will help ensure that key public services can function during and after disasters, protect communities, and preserve economic continuity in the event of a major emergency.“This project is vital to safeguard Istanbul’s people and economy. By strengthening emergency preparedness, modernizing public infrastructure, and supporting community resilience, Türkiye is building a safer future for one of its most strategic provinces,” said Humberto Lopez, World Bank Country Director for Türkiye. “It will protect lives and jobs while enhancing disaster response capacities and ensuring the continuity of critical public services.”The Istanbul Resilience Project focuses on four key areas:Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and Response: The project will finance the construction of critical emergency response infrastructure, including 250 paramedic stations, two search and rescue centers, and 19 fire stations and wildfire detection towers. It will also enhance emergency logistics, and search and rescue capacity through equipment provision, training, and community-level preparedness activities.Enhancing the Resilience of Public Buildings: Approximately 50 critical public buildings including schools, dormitories, elderly care facilities, and community centers will be constructed to high seismic and climate resilience standards. These buildings will serve as safe shelters during disasters and incorporate green infrastructure such as on-site solar power generation, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient systems that would serve as self-sufficiency features.Technical Assistance and Institutional Strengthening: The project will support Istanbul’s provincial authorities and the Istanbul Project Coordination Unit (IPCU) with technical studies, institutional capacity building, and planning for longer term investment needs. Among these topics, technical assistance on seismic resilience standards and international good practice is also being provided to the IPCU team with support from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery.Contingent Emergency Response: A dedicated component will enable rapid reallocation of project funds in the event of a future emergency to support urgent recovery and reconstruction needs.“The Project is a comprehensive effort to strengthen both the physical infrastructure and the emergency response systems of Istanbul,” added Salih Bugra Erdurmus, World Bank Task Team Leaders of the project. “Our aim is to ensure that critical public services remain operational during disasters and that emergency teams are better equipped to respond rapidly and effectively. To this end, we are also promoting the self-sufficiency of critical public buildings so they can function as resilient safety hubs that support communities in the immediate aftermath of disasters.”The project supports Türkiye’s national priorities outlined in the 12th National Development Plan, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which prioritize disaster risk reduction, urban resilience, and green infrastructure development. It also aligns with Istanbul’s Provincial Risk Reduction Plan (IRAP).With Istanbul’s public building stock aging and emergency response capacity under strain, this investment will help ensure faster and more effective disaster response while strengthening infrastructure against seismic and climate hazards. Ultimately, the project aims to protect millions of people and ensure the continuity of vital services across Istanbul Province.The World Bank remains committed to supporting Türkiye in building disaster resilience for its cities and communities, helping protect lives and secure sustainable economic growth.PRESS RELEASE NO: 2026/ECA/014