Sakarya University informs and supports local and regional governments in developing, implementing, and monitoring early warning and risk management systems related to climate-induced disasters. These collaborations are coordinated under the Disaster and Emergency Management Application and Research Center (DIVAM), the SAÜ Earthquake Monitoring Station, the Fire Application and Research Center (Yangın Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi), the Research and Development Application and Research Center (SARGEM), and the Social Contribution and Sustainability Coordinatorship (TOKAS).
Technical and Scientific Collaboration
The University provides scientific data, modeling, and expertise to the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, AFAD Sakarya Provincial Directorate, and SASKİ (Sakarya Water and Sewerage Administration) for climate risk assessment and early warning integration.
The DIVAM Center conducts multi-hazard studies on earthquakes, floods, landslides, and heatwaves, ensuring that local governments can incorporate climate variability into their disaster management and adaptation strategies. DIVAM also supports training and data sharing in coordination with AFAD and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, contributing directly to Türkiye’s 2024-2030 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan.
Scientific Support to SASKİ on Lake Sapanca
In December 2025, Sakarya University and SASKİ reviewed cooperation on Lake Sapanca’s condition, water-resource protection and ecological sustainability. SASKİ’s Director General highlighted the importance of university researchers’ assessments and scientific contributions to work addressing declining lake levels and shoreline ecological conditions. The university also reported that preparations had begun for research infrastructure focused on environment, sustainability and water, in cooperation with Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality. This collaboration demonstrates institutional scientific support to the local water authority.
Climate Risk Monitoring and Early Warning in the 2025-2030 Local Adaptation Plan
The Sakarya Local Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030 identifies Sakarya University as a relevant institution in actions addressing disaster risk assessment, integrated risk information and multi-hazard warning systems. These actions establish a framework for cooperation with Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, the Provincial Directorate of AFAD, meteorological authorities and other public institutions during 2025-2030.
| Action | Relevance to risk monitoring and early warning |
| DRR1 - Comprehensive risk assessments | Disaster scenarios, hazard and risk analyses, updated risk maps and assessment reports. |
| DRR2 - Integrated database and risk information system | Integration of datasets, public institutions and emergency response units to support access to risk information and informed decisions. |
| DRR3 - Multi-hazard warning system | Integration of hazard information and response units, together with training and public information programmes. |
DRR stands for Disaster Risk Reduction. DRR1–DRR3 correspond to actions ARA1–ARA3 in the original Turkish plan.
The plan specifies monitoring indicators including updated risk maps, integrated datasets, participating public institutions, warning-system development and public information activities. Sakarya University’s inclusion documents its designated role within this government-led climate risk monitoring and early warning framework. The plan also identifies Sakarya University as a relevant institution in health-related early warning and monitoring. Action SAG3 addresses the identification and classification of climate-related health emergencies and their integration into existing early warning systems during 2025-2030. Action SAG4 addresses district-level assessment, monitoring and evaluation of current and future climate hazards and their health impacts during 2025-2028.
Monitoring and Early Warning Infrastructure
The Sakarya Local Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030 identifies Sakarya University as a relevant institution under DRR3, concerning a multi-hazard warning system involving the municipality, AFAD, meteorological authorities, other public bodies, media and NGOs.
The SAÜ Earthquake Monitoring Station, established in collaboration with Boğaziçi University’s Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, continuously monitors seismic activity in Sakarya Province. The processed data are shared with both the National Earthquake Monitoring Network and local institutions, supporting situational awareness, rapid reporting, and preparedness planning. The data outputs from this station feed into local emergency management systems and risk-mitigation efforts coordinated by the municipality and AFAD.
In addition, the SAUCO2 Sustainable Carbon Tracking System compiles energy, water, and emission data from all university campuses and shares them with the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality. These datasets are used for the city’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) to monitor emission trends and assess the effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation actions at the regional level.
Real-Time River Monitoring and Flood Warning
The study “A Real-Time Water Level and Discharge Monitoring Station: A Case Study of the Sakarya River”, published in February 2025, documents a Sakarya University-funded monitoring system installed on Örencik Bridge with permission from Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality. The station uses ultrasonic water-level measurements, hydraulic discharge calculations, solar power and GSM-based data transmission to provide remotely accessible river information. It measures water levels twice per minute and incorporates automatic email alerts when predefined water-level thresholds are exceeded. The system provides a technical basis for flood-risk monitoring and timely warning.
Research Supporting Infrastructure Safety and Early Warning
Within SARGEM, researchers develop advanced technologies that enhance the safety and resilience of critical infrastructure against natural and climate-related hazards. One of the most significant contributions is the TÜBİTAK-supported U-tube Tuned Liquid Damper Project, which demonstrated a 35-65% reduction in building vibrations during earthquakes. This research informs local engineering standards and supports municipalities in developing retrofitting strategies for public buildings, thus directly contributing to early risk mitigation and damage prevention.
The Fire Application and Research Center provides simulation-based fire safety training, early detection technology consultation, and evacuation modeling services to municipal fire departments and industrial facilities. The center’s technical guidance helps local authorities optimize fire response coordination and integrate climate-related fire risk into urban emergency plans.
Heatwave Risk Mapping and Public Health Adaptation
Sakarya University’s TÜBİTAK 3005-supported heatwave and public health project, brings together researchers from Geography, Medicine and the Sakarya Provincial Health Directorate.
The project aims to identify areas where people aged 65 and over may be vulnerable to heatwaves and map future risk areas using climate projections and geographic information systems. Its objective is to establish a scientific basis for climate adaptation strategies and public health policies, connecting university research with the information needs of a provincial government institution.
Research on Heatwaves and Forest Fire Risk
The project “Assessing the Effects of Heatwaves on Forest Fires under Current and Future Climate Conditions Using Google Earth Engine (GEE)”, initiated on 27 October 2025, investigates the relationship between heatwave conditions and forest fire occurrence. Using the GEE geospatial analysis platform, it assesses heatwave effects under current and projected climate conditions, supporting the scientific assessment of climate-related forest fire hazards.
Operational Collaboration and Training
The University’s SAÜDAK Volunteer Search and Rescue Team, registered under AFAD, organizes annual disaster simulation exercises jointly with AFAD Sakarya Directorate, the Provincial Fire Department, and the Civil Defense Office. These drills include evacuation, flood, and fire scenarios, improving local readiness for rapid response and early warning coordination.
The Occupational Health and Safety Office regularly provides certified disaster preparedness and emergency management training for university and municipal personnel. The Mediko Psychological Counseling Center offers post-disaster psychological first aid and stress management support for both students and local community members affected by environmental or seismic events.
Community Engagement and Early Warning Awareness
Sakarya University complements its technical and scientific contributions with extensive public awareness and outreach programs. Through TOKAS, the University organizes Energy Efficiency Week, Zero Waste Campaigns, and European Mobility Week activities that educate citizens on reducing emissions, managing urban heat risks, and improving environmental preparedness. Public panels such as the “Act for Global Warming” Youth Forum, co-hosted with the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality and AFAD, and the CLICS International Conference on Climate Change and Sustainability, co-organized with Düzce Municipality, further strengthen inter-institutional dialogue and local capacity for climate monitoring and adaptation.
Impact and Outcomes
Through its combined research, monitoring, and education initiatives, Sakarya University contributes measurable, evidence-based support to local and regional governments in disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
The University’s data platforms, scientific collaborations, and training programs enhance both technical infrastructure and public readiness, directly supporting SDG 13.1 – Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
