Two Years After Turkey’s Earthquakes: Lingering Destruction and Trauma
Turkey’s recovery from the devastating earthquakes of February 2023 has been slow, with only a fraction of homes rebuilt and many still living in inadequate temporary shelters. Psychological trauma remains prevalent among the survivors, whose communities have been irrevocably altered by the disaster. While progress has occurred, unmet promises from authorities have left many in precarious living situations, underscoring the need for improved support and resources.
Two years after Turkey’s catastrophic earthquakes, the aftermath remains dire. Less than one-third of the destroyed homes have been rebuilt, and around half a million survivors are living in temporary container settlements. Psychological distress is prevalent among the population, reflecting the ongoing impact of the disaster.
Mr. Sabahattin’s barbershop, once located at the heart of Antioch, is one of the few buildings still standing amid rubble and vacant lots. Business has dwindled to just a handful of customers daily, making it challenging to cover necessary expenses. He continues to work, as living in a container for the past two years is unbearable.
The February 6, 2023 earthquakes, measuring magnitudes of 7.5 and 7.8, devastated southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, resulting in over 60,000 fatalities. Now, approximately 500,000 individuals in Turkey still reside in makeshift accommodations, such as prefabricated homes or tents. Sabahattin describes the cramped conditions as feeling like imprisonment for his family.
Progress in recovery has been noted, with many damaged structures demolished and debris cleared. Yet, the pace of reconstruction remains insufficient; President Erdogan’s pledge of 319,000 new homes by the end of 2023 has only seen about 201,580 completed. In Antakya, only 46,000 new homes have been constructed, far less than the 300,000 residences lost.
Reports indicate that unfulfilled promises have left many people in deplorable living conditions. The 400 “container cities” face challenges such as flooding during rain and frequent outages. An international organization source emphasizes that while some progress has been made, unrealistic expectations have hampered recovery efforts.
The earthquakes have decimated not only infrastructure but also the communities within affected regions. Emigration has increased, resulting in a rise in child labor to support families, as many children are unable to attend school. UNICEF highlights concerning absenteeism rates among school-age children in affected areas.
The emotional toll of the disaster lingers, with many having difficulty adapting to life in temporary shelters. Psychologist Rabia notes the compromised hygiene conditions and their impact on self-esteem. Survivors relive the trauma of the earthquake amid empty lots and destruction, leading to feelings of insecurity and helplessness.
A UNICEF study indicates that a significant number of survivors exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. With 43% showing moderate to severe PTSD symptoms and 68% suffering from depression, the need for adequate mental health support is evident.
The article discusses the ongoing consequences of the earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria in February 2023. The calamity not only resulted in extensive loss of life and property but has also left a lasting psychological impact on survivors. Two years later, many residents are still displaced, living in inadequate temporary housing, and struggling with mental health issues. The reconstruction efforts have been slow and are falling short of projections, further complicating the recovery process for affected communities.
The aftermath of the earthquakes continues to affect the daily lives of survivors in Turkey, manifesting in physical, economic, and psychological challenges. While some improvements have been made, much more needs to be done to meet the needs of those who have lost everything. A failure to deliver on recovery promises exacerbates feelings of despair and insecurity among the population, highlighting the critical importance of urgent and effective support. To address the traumatic effects, mental health resources must be prioritized, as a significant portion of the population remains vulnerable to psychological distress as they continue to cope with the disaster’s aftermath.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
