Title: “Turkey’s Ongoing Recovery: Progress and Challenges After Devastating Earthquake”
Two years have passed since the most catastrophic earthquake in recent Turkish history, leaving hundreds of thousands displaced and many still residing in temporary shelters. Rebuilding efforts are falling short of initial goals, as reported by Ece Toksabay in Ankara for Reuters.
Antakya, the city most severely impacted by the disaster, saw its residents gather at 4:17 a.m. to commemorate the moment when the 7.8-magnitude tremor struck on February 6, 2023. The earthquake and its aftershocks affected 11 Turkish provinces and parts of northern Syria, claiming over 55,000 lives and injuring more than 107,000 people. Entire towns, homes, hospitals, and historical sites were reduced to rubble in locations like Hatay, Kahramanmaras, and Adiyaman.
The government had aimed to construct 650,000 homes, with President Tayyip Erdogan promising the delivery of 319,000 within a year of the disaster. Erdogan expressed gratitude for having provided 201,431 independent units to their rightful owners less than two years post-earthquake. Minister Murat Kurum highlighted that $75 billion had been utilized for reconstruction efforts across the affected areas.
Despite progress, numerous residents continue to endure makeshift living conditions, with some forced to relocate, disrupting their communities and livelihoods. Opposition leader Ozgur Ozel cited that only 30% of the promised reconstruction has been completed, with a low housing completion rate of 18% in Hatay.
An activist, Ozgur Tiras, vowed to rebuild Antakya with the community’s collective efforts as he addressed the crowd, emphasizing the lingering struggles faced by many. Aid groups have raised concerns about the slow pace of recovery, inadequate living conditions in container-home cities, and risks associated with asbestos exposure from unregulated demolitions.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies stressed the need for expedited reconstruction to prevent destabilization and depopulation of the region. Despite the challenges, the community remains resilient, united in the commitment to restore their city and rebuild their lives.
The city, which was once a bustling blend of various cultures and religions, still preserves its unique identity. Ankara asserts that its response to the recent earthquake has been both effective and on schedule. Minister Kurum announced that a total of 423,000 homes and businesses are set to be delivered to survivors by the conclusion of 2025. Moreover, Turkey has earmarked a substantial sum of 584 billion Turkish lira (equivalent to $19 billion) towards the ongoing recovery endeavors. (Reporting by Ece Toksabay; Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Gerry Doyle)
