Two years post-earthquake, Turkey faces significant rebuilding challenges. Less than a third of homes have been reconstructed, leaving approximately 500,000 people in temporary shelters. Survivors endure psychological struggles, highlighting the disaster’s long-term effects and the urgent need for comprehensive recovery efforts.
Two years after Turkey’s devastating earthquake, the aftermath is still deeply felt. Less than a third of the destroyed homes have been rebuilt, and around 500,000 individuals remain in temporary shelters, such as container settlements. Many residents continue to grapple with psychological scars stemming from the disaster.
Sabahattin, a barber in Antioch, confronts daily hardships. Once located near bustling streets, little remains of the historic center as disaster ravaged the area. He now faces an uncertain future with only a handful of customers each day, yet he remains open to avoid the confines of his small container home.
The February 6, 2023 earthquakes, registering magnitudes of 7.5 and 7.8, devastated southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, leading to over 60,000 fatalities and the loss of countless buildings. Sabahattin’s struggles encapsulate the plight of many, who have lost not only homes but also their sense of community and normalcy.
While some recovery has occurred, with the removal of debris and some new construction, progress has been notably slow. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had vowed to deliver 319,000 homes by the end of 2023, but as of now, only 201,580 have been completed, leaving vast unmet housing needs.
Conditions in the makeshift “container cities” remain dire, as families contend with overcrowded and insufficient structures that are often prone to flooding. An international organization source highlights that unrealistic expectations set post-disaster have hindered recovery efforts in housing and infrastructure.
The earthquake has also devastated communities, causing many to emigrate and exacerbating issues such as child labor. According to UNICEF, the disruption has led to high absenteeism rates among school-age children in the affected areas.
Psychological ramifications are equally troubling. Psychologists report that living in substandard conditions hampers emotional well-being and community rebuilding. Survivors relive traumatic memories associated with the earthquake, contributing further to instability and insecurity since vital support networks have disintegrated.
A study by UNICEF and the Association for Trauma and Mental Health identified significant post-traumatic stress symptoms among those affected, indicating a pervasive need for targeted mental health support and care as recovery efforts continue.
The article discusses the lingering impact of the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and northern Syria, detailing the substantial devastation and slow recovery process. Despite promises of swift action and rebuilding, many residents are still displaced, grappling with inadequate shelter and psychological trauma. The commentary emphasizes the struggles of individuals, the state of the housing crisis, and ongoing mental health challenges experienced by those affected.
The ongoing recovery from Turkey’s devastating earthquake highlights a significant housing crisis, with many still displaced in temporary shelters. The slow pace of rebuilding homes and the psychological toll on survivors underscores the urgent need for effective recovery efforts. There is a clear indication that substantial work remains in addressing both housing needs and mental health support for affected communities.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
