Two years following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and northern Syria, recovery is stymied with less than one-third of destroyed homes rebuilt, and many individuals still in temporary shelters. Psychological issues remain common, and the promises for new housing by authorities have not been fulfilled, highlighting a critical humanitarian challenge.
Two years after the catastrophic earthquakes in Turkey and northern Syria, which caused substantial destruction and loss of life, recovery progress remains slow. Less than a third of the homes lost have been rebuilt, with half a million individuals currently residing in temporary shelters, such as containers or tents, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by the affected population.
Mr. Sabahattin, a barber in Antioch, continues to operate his shop amidst the ruins of his community. Once thriving and well-located, his business now sees only a handful of customers daily, making it a challenge to cover basic expenses. He operates not for clientele, but to avoid the hardships of living in a temporary container home, which he has called his residence for two years since the disaster.
The earthquakes, registering magnitudes of 7.5 and 7.8, led to the collapse of thousands of structures and took over 60,000 lives. The aftermath has seen nearly 500,000 displaced individuals continue to endure life in substandard conditions while grappling with both physical and psychological trauma.
While some progress has been made in clearing debris and preparing for reconstruction, many still live in makeshift accommodations lacking essential amenities. Although Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged to provide 319,000 homes by the end of 2023, only 201,580 have been completed, revealing a stark shortfall and unmet promises for the residents of affected cities like Antakya.
Reports by organizations such as the Association of Earthquake Victims of Hatay Province reveal that many families are enduring dire living conditions, exacerbated by the slow pace of recovery. In container cities established for displaced individuals, cramped living spaces have led to significant challenges, especially during adverse weather and power outages.
The psychological toll of the disaster is becoming increasingly evident, with many individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. Understanding the mental health impact, UNICEF highlights a compelling need for ongoing support to help survivors cope with their trauma and rebuild their lives amidst a community that continues to feel the absence of its former vibrancy.
Rabia, a psychologist, acknowledges the difficulties faced by those adapting to life in temporary housing, which fails to meet basic hygiene and psychological needs. As memories of the devastating events linger, many are unable to achieve a semblance of normalcy, and the breakdown of social networks has left individuals feeling increasingly insecure.
Families have been torn apart, with many losing not only their homes but also their means of livelihood. This has resulted in a troubling rise in child labor as families struggle to make ends meet, exacerbating conditions that had initially prompted national aid and interventions.
The article examines the aftermath of the tragic earthquakes in Turkey and northern Syria, focusing on the recovery process two years later. With significant loss of life and infrastructure, the article highlights the struggles faced by survivors still living in inadequate temporary accommodations, the mental health repercussions, and the unmet housing promises from authorities, stressing the need for continued support and renewed efforts towards rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts. Efforts by organizations such as UNICEF have been noted, documenting the psychological and social challenges that individuals face in the wake of this disaster, emphasizing the complex layer of trauma the survivors continue to navigate daily.
In conclusion, the lingering devastation from the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey reflects a significant humanitarian crisis, necessitating urgent attention. With only a fraction of promised housing completed and a vast number of individuals still living in unsuitable conditions, the psychological and social impacts are profound. The article underscores the critical need for continued recovery efforts, community support, and reliable resources to assist those affected in rebuilding their lives.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
