Two Years On: Turkey’s Earthquake Recovery Challenges Persist
Two years post-earthquake, Turkey’s recovery is slow, with only a third of homes rebuilt and 500,000 people in temporary shelters. Survivors like Mr. Sabahattin struggle with their new reality while psychological trauma remains prevalent. Promises made for reconstruction are largely unfulfilled, leaving many in inadequate living conditions and affecting children’s education.
Two years after the catastrophic earthquakes that struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, significant challenges remain for the affected population. Only a fraction of the destroyed homes has been reconstructed, leaving over 500,000 individuals in temporary shelter. Psychological trauma persists, as many continue to navigate the emotional aftermath of this disaster.
Mr. Sabahattin, a barber in Antioch, exemplifies the struggle faced by many survivors. His shop, once thriving in a vibrant area, now stands alone amidst ruins, with only a few customers daily. He continues to work not from economic necessity, but to avoid returning to the uncomfortable confines of his container home, where he has resided for the past two years.
The earthquakes of February 6, 2023, with magnitudes of 7.5 and 7.8, resulted in tens of thousands of structures collapsing and over 60,000 lives lost across a region vastly populated. The stark reality is that around half a million people remain in temporary accommodations, including tents and prefabricated homes, struggling to adapt to their drastically altered living conditions. Many report feelings of confinement and despair.
Despite some progress, including debris removal and new construction underway, the pace of rebuilding has fallen short of government promises. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan initially pledged that hundreds of thousands of new homes would be ready by the end of 2023. However, as of now, only about 201,580 have been completed, a mere fraction of the actual losses.
Reports indicate that the unmet promises have forced survivors to endure unacceptable living conditions. Families reside in crowded container cities without adequate sanitation or resources, compounding their struggles. While efforts are being made, observers note that expectations set by authorities have not aligned with reality, leaving many feeling abandoned.
The earthquakes not only devastated physical infrastructure but also dismantled vibrant communities. Many individuals have relocated elsewhere, impacting children’s education and increasing child labor as families face economic hardship. Some regions report troubling rates of school attendance, with many children unable to go to school due to the compounding pressures on families.
The psychological toll is profound. Psychologists have noted that the harsh conditions in temporary housing hinder recovery and exacerbate trauma. Survivors experience repeated reminders of their harrowing experiences, intensified by the loss of community support systems, leading to insecurity and anxiety.
A recent study conducted by UNICEF and the Association for Trauma and Mental Health Studies highlighted alarming statistics on the mental health ramifications of the disaster: 43% of participants exhibited moderate to severe post-traumatic stress symptoms, 65% suffered from anxiety, and 68% reported symptoms of depression, illustrating the extent of the crisis still affecting the community.
The February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria resulted in significant destruction, claiming tens of thousands of lives and rendering entire communities homeless. As reconstruction efforts lag, many survivors find themselves living in temporary accommodations that offer little comfort. The psychological impact of the disaster continues to affect individuals, particularly children, who face barriers to education and normalcy. The extent of this trauma requires ongoing support and intervention.
In summary, two years following the catastrophic earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, the affected populations continue to grapple with the consequences of the disaster. While progress has been made in debris removal and rebuilding, the pace remains insufficient compared to the promises made. Thousands still live in inadequate housing, and psychological issues are pervasive, illustrating the need for sustained attention and support to facilitate recovery and rebuilding efforts in the region.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
