Worldwide, between 2002 and 2011, an average of 107,000 died annually because of natural
disasters. During this interval, earthquakes were the leading cause of deaths with an average of
67,974 deaths annually [12]. Due its global position, Turkey is especially prone to earthquakes.
Major metropolitan areas, with dense population, are under earthquake threat. Specifically for İzmir,
the third largest metropolitan area of Turkey, with a population of 4.5 million, earthquake is listed as
number one cause of life loss and property damage among disasters, according to official Emergency
Aid Plan [13]. Bornova is chosen for the case study since it is one of the most populated central
districts of Izmir with a population approaching 450,000. The results and findings from a detailed
case study for Bornova are appropriate for scaling up