Newborns Die Amid Allegations of Medical Fraud in Turkey

Two years after the catastrophic earthquakes of February 6, 2023, which claimed over 60,000 lives and displaced millions in Turkey and northern Syria, recovery efforts are lagging. Only 201,580 out of the promised 319,000 new homes have been completed, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office. As a result, approximately 500,000 people are still living in temporary shelters, including container cities that lack basic amenities and proper hygiene, as reported by the Association of Earthquake Victims of Hatay Province. Residents, like barber Sabahattin, struggle to survive amidst rubble, with business to support diminishing. Many families live in cramped conditions, forcing up to five people into 21-square-meter spaces, significantly smaller than their pre-quake apartments, he lamented. While some progress has been made with debris removal and new construction beginnings, the pace has not met initial expectations. Further compounding issues, a UNICEF study indicated that 43% of surveyed individuals exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress, highlighting the widespread psychological aftermath of the disaster.

Two years after a catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey, survivors continue to endure significant hardships. The January 6, 2023 disaster claimed over 53,000 lives and led to widespread destruction, displacing countless individuals from their homes. According to local reports, many survivors have yet to receive adequate support or housing, creating ongoing challenges in rebuilding their lives. The Turkish government and various non-profits have implemented recovery efforts, but progress has been slow, with many areas still in ruins. Survivors have expressed frustration and anger over bureaucratic delays and a perceived lack of urgency from authorities. Emre Karaca, a local resident, noted, “Our lives have changed forever, but the help we expected hasn’t come. We feel abandoned.” Earthquake recovery efforts emphasize infrastructure building and support services, but officials admit that substantial investment and coordination are still necessary to meet the needs of those affected. The plight of the survivors serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of natural disasters on communities.

Two years after the catastrophic earthquakes struck Turkey's southeastern region, only around 201,580 of the promised 319,000 new homes have been constructed, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The quakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.5 and 7.8, claimed over 60,000 lives and displaced millions. Currently, about half a million people remain in temporary shelters, generating widespread resentment among survivors. In Antioch, local barbershop owner Mr. Sabahattin, whose business used to thrive, now sees only a few customers due to the devastation surrounding him. He has lived in a cramped container for two years and expressed frustration at the lack of progress in rebuilding efforts. Most families now occupy makeshift accommodations, and many report deteriorating mental health, with 43% showing signs of post-traumatic stress, as per a UNICEF report. Despite visible construction activity, recovery efforts are limited, with the physical and emotional scars of the disaster still evident in communities shattered by loss and displacement. Relief organizations highlight the urgent need for adequate housing and mental health support.