After the earthquake that struck Kahramanmaraş on February 6, affecting more than 10 provinces, we once again realized the importance of continuous communication in saving lives in the aftermath of such disasters.

In addition to measures that can be taken against earthquakes, applications that can be used before and after earthquakes have suddenly become a significant part of our lives. Some of the mobile applications that can be used after earthquakes and other natural disasters, which can save lives in emergency situations and facilitate communication, are as follows:

AFAD Emergency: With this application, you can initiate an emergency call over the internet with just one touch, even if there is an issue with your network connection, and communicate with the 112 emergency call center. Additionally, you can use this app to locate nearby gathering points and communicate via messages if you don't have voice calling capabilities.  

112 Emergency Assistance: Through this application, you can inform emergency services of any incident requiring immediate intervention, ensuring that help reaches you or your loved ones. The app automatically shares your location information to facilitate the quickest response.

IamSafe: With AKUT's "I'm Safe" application, you can share your safety status via SMS along with your location. When you press the "I'm Safe" button, the app will send an SMS with your location, acquired through GPS service, to up to 10 contacts you have specified. Additionally, this app provides basic information on Earthquakes, Floods, and Fires.  

Düdüğüm (My Whistle): When this app is opened, it maximizes your phone's volume and emits a continuous whistle sound while dimming the screen's brightness to help preserve your phone's battery. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, you can share your location by sending an SMS to two pre-defined numbers.

Bridgefy: In situations where you don't have internet access, you can use your phone's Bluetooth feature to reach users of the app within approximately 50 meters. This app, whose coverage area expands as the number of users increases, functions like a base station, allowing each user to distribute messages to remote recipients via Bluetooth.

Voxer: With this app, you can turn your smartphone into a walkie-talkie and send text and image messages. The app also stores incoming messages while you're offline and delivers them to you when you're online.  

By installing these mobile applications on your phone, you can prepare in advance for any natural disaster you may encounter.