Two Years Post-Earthquake: Turkey’s Ongoing Struggles with Recovery

Two years following Turkey’s devastating earthquakes, recovery remains slow, with less than a third of destroyed homes rebuilt. Approximately half a million people currently reside in temporary housing, facing hardships including ongoing psychological trauma. Despite promises of new housing, many still live in subhuman conditions, revealing significant gaps in recovery efforts and support systems.

Two years after the catastrophic earthquakes that struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, the aftermath remains painfully evident. Less than a third of the destroyed homes have been rebuilt, and approximately half a million individuals are still residing in temporary accommodations. Psychological scars linger as many continue to grapple with trauma related to the disaster.

Mr. Sabahattin, a barber in Antioch, demonstrates resilience by opening his shop daily despite drastic changes in his environment. Once positioned in a vibrant area, his shop is now encircled by devastation, with only a few customers trickling in. He reflects on the struggle of maintaining his business in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Living in a container for two years has taken a toll on Sabahattin. He describes the transition from a spacious home to a cramped temporary unit, feeling as if his family has been imprisoned. His despair is compounded by the realization that society and authorities have neglected many of the community’s needs in the wake of the disaster.

Some progress has been made since the earthquake. Most dangerous structures have been demolished, and debris cleared; however, the reconstruction of new buildings is lagging behind initial promises. President Erdogan had pledged that 319,000 new homes would be ready by the end of 2023, but only approximately 201,580 have been completed to date.

Reports from the Association of Earthquake Victims of Hatay Province reveal ongoing hardship, with insufficient housing forcing many to live under subpar conditions. Temporary shelters face challenges such as flooding and power outages, exacerbating the struggles families face while trying to rebuild their lives after the tragedy.

The profound loss of community impacts residents deeply. With many having emigrated or lost their means of livelihood, a marked increase in child labor has emerged. UNICEF reports concerning absenteeism rates in schools, indicating a grim situation for the youth in the earthquake-affected regions.

Victims of the disaster remain emotionally burdened, revisiting the trauma of the earthquake daily. Psychologist Rabia emphasizes the difficulties in sustaining proper hygiene in container homes, sealing off opportunities to reclaim a sense of normalcy. The recollection of the disaster exacerbates feelings of insecurity amidst fractured support networks.

Recent studies reveal alarming statistics among individuals living in the earthquake zones, with high levels of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression identified. UNICEF stresses the urgency for intervention, highlighting the critical gaps in care and support for the affected population as they confront the long-term implications of the disaster.

The 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria were among the deadliest natural disasters in recent history, resulting in massive destruction and significant loss of life. With millions affected, recovery efforts have faced substantial hurdles, including inadequate housing and mental health support for survivors. The rebuilding process is slower than anticipated, as many homeless survivors remain in temporary shelters two years later, struggling with psychological effects stemming from the trauma they experienced.

The ongoing challenges in Turkey’s earthquake aftermath illustrate the profound impact of the disaster on affected communities. Although some reconstruction efforts are underway, many individuals still live in substandard conditions, burdened by the psychological effects of their experiences. Urgent action is needed to address the housing crisis and mental health support to foster recovery and resilience in the disaster-stricken populations.

Original Source: english.elpais.com