Environment and Urban Planning Minister Murat Kurum answered questions for a possible earthquake above of 7 magnitude and preparations in Istanbul.

Stating that stadiums are gathering places in the case of an earthquake, the Turkish minister noted that many public utility buildings in districts, 92 percent of schools, have been renovated. "Even gardens are gathering places. Istanbul does not lack any at this point."

Minister announced that 21 thousand illegal structures were identified in violation of the zoning plans throughout the country.

Saying that 8 thousand of these structures are located in the coastal part Minister Kurum announced that they have demolished nearly 850 of them as of today.

"We will carry out the destruction of 21 thousand illegal buildings decisively. We will continue our efforts with determination to preserve our natural beauty and nature and to transfer these beauties left to us to future generations," he added.

"In this sense, I would like to report that all illegal buildings will be demolished, all buildings that do not comply with the peace of reconstruction will be demolished by the hands of our state," he concluded.

ILKHA