Our dear geoengineers in Turkey and Syria, as president of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, on behalf of the ISSMGE Board and geotechnical engineers around the globe, I like to express our sincere condolences and sympathy to the victims, their families, and your people suffering amid this devastating tragedy.
This disaster shows how far we still are from providing a safe environment in earthquake zones and understanding nature. I like to assure you that you are part of the geotechnical family; and to Dr. Rasin Duzceer and Dr. Talal Awad, presidents of the national geotechnical societies of Turkey and Syria, respectively, I am expressing our collegial solidarity and readiness to dispatch experts from member countries should you require any assistance in the technical reconnaissance covering this vast geographic zone affected by the quake.
For now, all our wishes go to the search and rescue teams in their mission of saving lives, with all our blessings and gratitude.
Sincerely
Dr. Marc Ballouz
President ISSMGE