The scars from Turkey’s earthquakes persist two years later, with half a million people still displaced and living in temporary shelters. Progress has been made in removing debris, yet housing shortages continue. Psychological distress among survivors remains high, with many experiencing anxiety and depression, signaling the need for improved support and reconstruction efforts.
Two years after the vicious earthquakes that struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, recovery remains painfully slow. Less than one-third of the ruined homes have been rebuilt, leaving approximately half a million individuals living in temporary housing, such as container settlements. Psychological consequences also persist, with many still grappling with trauma from the disaster, manifesting as anxiety and depression.
On February 6, 2023, a sequence of powerful earthquakes devastated a region that extends over 15 million people. The 7.5 and 7.8 magnitudes wrecked tens of thousands of structures, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement. Amid the recovery efforts led by the Turkish government, many promises of reconstruction and assistance remain unfulfilled, exacerbating the suffering of survivors.
The aftermath of the earthquakes continues to affect the lives of many people in Turkey. With inadequate housing solutions and insufficient psychological support, the survivors are compelled to confront the dire realities of their living conditions. Despite some improvements in debris clearance and construction efforts, the journey toward a full recovery is fraught with challenges, highlighting the urgent need for more substantial aid and genuine commitment from authorities.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
