Further re Turkish Earthquake
THAMES WATER PLC
17 August 1999
EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY
Thames Water has expressed its sympathy to the state authorities in
the area affected by the Turkish earthquake. It has contacted the
Governor of Kocaeli and the local mayor, Sefa Sirmen, to offer
assistance.
Thames Water is currently assessing the impact of the Izmit earthquake
on its staff and activities in the area. So far 45 of our 82 staff
have been safely accounted for.
It appears that although electricity supplies were lost in the area,
Thames Water's emergency generators have taken over at its plant and
are able to ensure the security of the system. A further team is on
its way to Turkey to provide further emergency assistance.
The exact number of Thames Water staff fatalities or injuries is still
not clear. Unfortunately, it does appear that some staff and their
families have lost their lives or suffered injuries.
Bill Alexander, Thames Water's Chief Executive, said 'We are clearly
thinking first of our staff. This is already a tragedy for the people
of Izmit and the surrounding area'.
'The exact extent of the human impact is not yet clear and we are
working hard between Turkey and our headquarters in Reading to confirm
details and give every possible support'.
Thames Water employs 12 British staff as part of its team in Izmit,
all of whom are now safely accounted for. A number of them have
reported to the plant, along with a few local staff, and are giving
every assistance to the local villages, where the damage does appear
to be extensive.
The company is working closely with the authorities to re-establish
essential water supplies following a short shut down in order to check
the treatment works. The first indications are that the water
infrastructure, in service since January this year, has survived the
earthquake intact and will be back in action very shortly.
Built in an area known to be at risk of earthquakes, all Thames Water
plant was designed and constructed to withstand such tragedies.
For further information please contact Thames Water's Press Office:
Nick Tennant 0118 939 9258 or Cathy Little 0118 959 3364.
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