Two Years On: The Lingering Impact of Turkey’s Earthquake
Two years after the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey, recovery efforts are severely lagging. Less than one-third of destroyed homes have been rebuilt, and many people are still housed in temporary shelters. The psychological toll on residents is evident, with high rates of trauma and mental health issues persisting in the affected population.
Two years after the catastrophic earthquakes on February 6, 2023, Turkey continues to grapple with severe recovery challenges. Only a small fraction of the destroyed homes has been rebuilt, with half a million people still residing in temporary accommodations such as containers or tents. The lingering psychological effects are profound, with many victims still struggling to cope with their trauma.
Mr. Sabahattin, a barber in Antioch, remains open but faces dwindling business. His barbershop, once a bustling spot, now survives on sparse clientele as surrounding businesses have vanished. Living in a cramped container, he finds it hard to adapt, feeling trapped in a bleak reality that has not improved over the past two years.
The devastation from the earthquakes left over 60,000 dead and reduced entire cities to rubble, significantly straining the local population of 15 million. While some progress has been made in debris removal and reconstruction preparation, the pace of new builds is far slower than the government initially promised following the disaster.
Despite promises from President Erdogan for construction of 319,000 homes by the end of 2023, progress has fallen short. As of now, only 201,580 homes have been completed, and many citizens are living in unsatisfactory conditions. The lack of housing has forced families into cramped container settlements lacking vital amenities.
Reports indicate that many have emigrated, impacting job opportunities and leading to rising child labor as families struggle to survive. A UNICEF official highlighted concerning rates of school absenteeism among children in the affected regions, as poverty pushes many out of school.
Living conditions in container cities are often dire, with frequent flooding and power outages adding to the stress of already traumatized residents. Experts express that while initial relief efforts were made, the expectations set by authorities at that time were unrealistic.
The emotional toll of the earthquakes persists, as many victims are unable to move on from their traumatic experiences. The psychological impact, according to a recent study, shows high levels of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression among those affected. Essential support networks have been devastated by the disaster, compounding feelings of insecurity and hopelessness in the population.
The 2023 earthquakes devastated southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, causing widespread destruction and loss of life on an unprecedented scale. The aftermath has left hundreds of thousands displaced, living in dire conditions and grappling with severe mental health issues. The reconstruction efforts have been criticized for their sluggish pace, leaving many without adequate housing two years later. Understanding the context of this disaster helps illustrate the ongoing struggles faced by the survivors and the challenges of recovery efforts in afflicted regions.
The aftermath of Turkey’s earthquakes highlights significant challenges in recovery and psychological healing. Despite some rebuilding efforts, many displaced families remain in inadequate housing, grappling with trauma as they await more substantial government action. The long-term emotional impact has left a lasting mark on the community, necessitating robust support systems and policies to address both housing and mental health needs.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
