Two years after Turkey’s devastating earthquake, recovery is slow with less than a third of destroyed homes rebuilt and many still living in makeshift containers. The promise of new homes remains unfulfilled, leading to ongoing struggles, trauma, and mental health issues among survivors, emphasizing the critical need for continued support and infrastructure development.
Two years after the earthquake in Turkey, recovery remains painfully slow, with only a fraction of destroyed homes rebuilt. Around half a million people still reside in makeshift container settlements, while many struggle with psychological scars from the disaster. Mr. Sabahattin, a barber in Antioch, fights to maintain his business despite dwindling customers and his shift to living in a cramped container, which he finds suffocating and inadequate for his family of five.
Despite the presence of cranes and construction efforts, significant rebuilding progress has not materialized. The Turkish government promised the completion of 319,000 homes by the end of 2023, but only 201,580 are finished. Areas like Antakya illustrate this disparity vividly, with just over 46,000 new homes built against the 300,000 that were lost.
Life in container cities, established across affected regions, continues to be tough for families living in substandard conditions. Reports indicate increasing homelessness, with children needing to work to support their families, and high rates of school absenteeism in the earthquake-affected areas. Humanitarian and psychological services remain critical but are not sufficiently provided to meet the ongoing needs.
Experts recognize that the trauma from the earthquake persists. Survivors face challenges adapting to life in temporary shelters, re-experiencing their trauma daily. A study revealed alarming mental health statistics, showing significant percentages of individuals facing post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. The severed social networks further contribute to feelings of insecurity and helplessness as people struggle to cope with their new reality.
The devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and northern Syria in February 2023 resulted in the loss of over 60,000 lives and left millions homeless. The aftermath has highlighted the slow pace of reconstruction and the psychological toll on survivors. With inadequate housing and community disintegration, affected populations continue to grapple with the ramifications of disaster, emphasizing the need for extensive rebuilding and mental health support services.
The ongoing recovery efforts in Turkey reveal a stark reality: many survivors still lack stable housing and adequate mental health support. With only a small percentage of promised homes completed, hardship persists. As affected communities navigate their pain and trauma, there’s a pressing need for policies that address both reconstruction and the mental health challenges faced by those who have endured this tragedy.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
