Two Years After the Earthquake: Turkey Faces Lingering Scars and Unkept Promises

Two years after the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, less than a third of destroyed homes have been rebuilt, with half a million people still living in temporary shelters. Psychological trauma remains prevalent, and children face challenges such as increased labor and absenteeism in schools. Despite some cleanup efforts, significant rebuilding is still needed as promised housing developments lag behind expectations.

Turkey is still grappling with the devastating aftermath of the February 2023 earthquakes, as less than a third of the destroyed homes have been rebuilt and half a million residents remain in temporary shelters. Mr. Sabahattin, a barber in Antioch, reflects on the despair of his dwindling clientele and the harsh conditions of his new reality in a container home. Despite promises from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to deliver over 319,000 new homes by the end of 2023, fewer than 202,000 have been completed, leading many to live in substandard conditions.

The situation is dire, with families living in cramped container cities that flood when it rains and suffer from frequent power outages. The emotional toll is equally significant; many individuals are reliving trauma associated with the earthquakes, which wiped away entire communities and livelihoods. Reports highlight a concerning number of children forced into labor and high absenteeism rates in schools due to ongoing adversity.

Psychological issues have become a significant concern, with studies indicating that a large percentage of the affected population exhibits symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. The loss of social support networks compounded by the trauma has exacerbated feelings of insecurity and emotional instability among survivors. The long recovery and rebuilding process highlights the gap between promises made by authorities and the stark reality faced by those in the affected regions.

The article discusses the long-term impacts of the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which devastated southeastern Turkey. With significant loss of life and property, the earthquakes left many communities in disarray. Efforts to rebuild and provide housing have fallen short of expectations, leaving many residents in temporary, inadequate living conditions. The psychological fallout from the disaster has also sparked concerns about the mental health of survivors, particularly children.

In summary, the aftermath of the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria is marked by insufficient progress in rebuilding, leading to continued hardship for many residents. The combination of physical displacement and psychological trauma speaks to the long-lasting scars left by such disasters. To address both their immediate needs and the deeper emotional wounds, authorities and organizations must enhance their engagement and support for affected communities.

Original Source: english.elpais.com