Earthquake

[missdanni1992]

Well good for you! People are saying all these people writing about it on facebook and causing panic are putting tourists off, tbh i couldnt care less. i live here and am terrified, i can only imagine what the tourists are going to go home and tell people about their experience in turkey!

[Dutchie]

I haven't been panicking but just trying to be sensible.

If my 2 year old for example would be in a room with a burning fireplace, I'd do anything to prevent her from getting hurt.
If I couldn't fence off the fire or something like that, I'd remove her from the dangerous situation in case something might happen.
I feel that it's the same with these tremors. There's nothing I can do to prevent them but fortunately I have the opportunity to remove her from the situation and that's what I did.

And yes...we could have had a car accident on the drive over or a major quake might hit Alanya. Let's face it, you never know what will be happening next. But I think it's fair to say that staying in Fethiye right now would pose a greater risk than leaving.

[Eric]

From one of the MANY sites that covers "What are my chances of dying if...."  (this is a US site where the standards of driving are a great deal higher than Turkey.

Motor Vehicle Accident*    1-in-100

Natural Forces (heat, cold, storms, quakes, etc.)   1-in-3,357

I think you have just exposed your daughter to a greater risk!

[Dutchie]

I've been driving in Turkey for 15 years and never had a motor vehicle accident.
So...I have to get an accident first and then my daughter has a 1 in 100 chance of dying (Allah korusun).

And what are the chances of dying for a 2 year old because of natural forces?
A child that won't be able to make it out of a dangerous situation on her own in a town that has been suffering from several quakes/tremors during the last days.

I might be taking a risk but it's a risk I'm willing to take gladly (while we're enjoying our break at the same time by meeting our friends and lazying around the pool  )

[Scunner]

Yes but you'll experience car journeys many more times than earthquakes so your exposure to the risk is far greater

[Marggie]

Had hoped things were calming down but another obvious tremor tonight just before 8pm.

Missdanni, things will calm down and then you will be able to enjoy living here.

[marjo]

missdanni, I know that you are scared right now, earthquakes are frightening events but this will pass. These are the strongest quakes we have known since living here for the last 6 years. Usually, every now & again over the years, we would feel a little tremor for a couple of seconds & it would be commented on 'oh was that a quake?' & until we looked it up on the seismology website we never knew for sure-they were a novelty event & that was that. These I know are different & it has brought home the reality of living in an earthquake zone.
Now for us, that is a good thing, as I'm sure many will agree-it has allowed us to assess our actions during a quake (I, like many on Sunday, did nothing at all-just 'rode' it out until it passed & then related my inaction to my husband (who was horrified but I'm sure he would've done the same-he 'missed' it as he was riding his bike into Fethiye at the time!).
For the first time we have discussed in real terms what to do, got an 'earthquake' bag ready, & calmly carried on with life. I feel much better prepared now than before. Don't get me wrong I was very nervous during & after the one on Sunday & a little shaken tonight as I was on my own again & obviously apprehensive in case of another biggie.
However, the fact that it is being constantly discussed (because it IS such a rare event) & that some people are scare-mongering will not be helping your situation.
Please be assured that Fethiye is a great area in which to live, don't regret your residency application, & in the weeks to come I'm sure that you will be able to relax & enjoy your new life here to the full.
Jo

[Rindaloo]

Dutchie, you do whatever feels right for you.  We can all discuss statistics, but its up to you in the end.  I hope things settle down soon, and if you feel better by temporarily relocating, then your toddler will probably be happier too.

[Dutchie]

Thank you Rindaloo.

I know that the chances of anything major to happen are slim but I would never forgive myself if it did.
We had planned to make this trip at the end of the season anyway so are just doing it earlier.
Toddler is as happy as can be but of course my thoughts are with husband and friends in Fethiye constantly.

Hope you all have a quiet night.

[suemolly]

I am coming to Calis at the beginning of August and no earthquake will stop my holiday plans - was in Calis this time last year and am glad I have chosen to come later this year.  I have an 11 year old lad and although I would never put him in danger, I am also well aware that natural disasters can occur anywhere in the world, look at the floods we have been having in England recently where people have lost their lives.  The only thing that will stop me coming on holiday to Turkey, as me and my family love the country so much, would be a personal disaster back here in England.  Keep safe everyone in Calis x