One year after the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey on February 6, 2023, the profound effects of this tragedy still loom over the lives of the country’s residents. This photo report delves into the developments and efforts made for reconstruction and humanitarian aid to the people of Turkey, one year after the earthquake.
Destructive Earthquake:
On February 6, 2023, a sudden and destructive earthquake shook Turkey, claiming the lives of over 53,000 people. Cities and sections of towns crumbled, leaving millions without homes.
Hulya Gul, 54, shows a picture of herself with her mother Suheyla Karayilan, 73, who died during the earthquake, at a cleared residential site where her mother's house once stood in Hatay, Turkey, February 3. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
A cleared site where buildings stood before the earthquake is seen through the window of a damaged building in Hatay, Turkey, February 2. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Gulcan Yilmaz, 47, who was rescued from the rubble of the eight-story Sendag building five days after the earthquake and lost her legs and right arm, chats with her mother and brother in her prefabricated home in Antakya's Ekinci neighbourhood in Hatay province, Turkey, January 31. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
A man mourns at a cemetery for earthquake victims in Hatay, Turkey, February 1. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
An aerial view shows a container city in Iskenderun, in Hatay province, Turkey, February 2. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
An aerial view shows a cleared residential site where buildings stood before the earthquake in Hatay province, Turkey, February 2. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Current Situation:
One year after the earthquake, the devastating impact is still visible in public spaces and the daily lives of individuals. Many people remain in crisis situations, facing numerous challenges in housing, healthcare, and livelihood.
Reconstruction Efforts:
Through extensive efforts in reconstruction, Turkey has managed to restore some cities and regions to a relatively normal state. Housing projects, the creation of new infrastructure, and providing essential needs have been key initiatives in this regard.
Abdulalim Muaini lies in bed looking at pictures of his children and wife who died next to him in the earthquake, in Bursa, Turkey, January 4. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Ali Riza and Sunay Gazaloglu stand at the entrance to their container home in Hatay, Turkey, January 31. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Ela Gazaloglu looks out from the window of her container home in Hatay, Turkey, January 31. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
An aerial view shows new residential buildings being constructed for people left homeless after the earthquake in Hatay province, Turkey, February 2. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
A cat sits in a window of a building damaged by the earthquake in Hatay, Turkey, February 5. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
A woman looks on as she squats with a dog beside houses destroyed by the earthquake in Hatay, Turkey, February 5. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
People gather to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the earthquake and remember their lost family and friends, in Hatay, Turkey, February 5. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Relief and Social Support:
International organizations and humanitarian groups worldwide have extended their support to Turkey. Providing medical assistance, immediate relief, and sending financial aid to support the daily lives of the Turkish people are among the collaborative international efforts.
Men play backgammon in front of a container cafe in Kahramanmaras, Turkey, January 29. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
People shop in Hatay, Turkey, February 5. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Amer Mohammed Haleel, 50, sits with his son at a tent camp for quake survivors in the rebel-held town of Jandaris, Syria, January 24. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi
People gather to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the earthquake and remember their lost family and friends, in Hatay, Turkey, February 5. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Hope for the Future:
Despite all challenges, the people of Turkey remain hopeful about their future. Reconstruction and establishing new lives are time-consuming processes, but the determination and planned efforts of the people demonstrate their resilience and perseverance.
Conclusion:
One year after the devastating earthquake in Turkey, the community is still in the process of recovery and reconstruction. Long-term plans for rebuilding and strengthening infrastructure are ongoing measures to counteract the effects of this tragedy.
Source: Reuters
