Nearly half a million Turks endure hardship in container cities two years after disaster

Two years ago, a devastating earthquake struck Turkey's southern region, resulting in one of the nation's worst disasters. The earthquake caused substantial destruction and loss of life, with thousands of casualties reported. Survivors of the calamity, including Omer Aydin, a single father living in a temporary container city with his children, continue to face grim realities as they confront the ongoing challenges of a cost-of-living crisis and uncertainty about their future. Aydin has expressed deep concerns about providing for his family and worries about what they will do when they are transitioned from temporary housing into the permanent homes that the government is constructing. As reported, the Turkish government aims to deliver approximately 452,983 homes, shops, and other workspaces by the end of 2025 as part of its recovery efforts. Yet, many survivors are skeptical of the support they will receive once settled into these new houses, as they currently lack essential belongings and the financial means to sustain themselves. Jessie Thomson, the head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Turkey, emphasized that the road to recovery is long and arduous, stating that hundreds of thousands still face immense challenges, including mental health issues such as rising depression. Amidst the continuing challenges, survivors such as Songul Erol, a mother of two, strive to rebuild their lives after prolonged periods in tents and temporary housing. Erol expresses a strong desire to move into a one-story house that feels safer than apartment buildings, haunted by memories of the earthquake's devastation. Many survivors are still dealing with the emotional fallout from the disaster as daily life continues under heightened stress and uncertainty. The government’s housing program signifies progress but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by those impacted by the earthquake. On the anniversary of the earthquake, the nation’s survivors held memorials and prayers to honor the deceased, while grappling with their circumstances. As time passes, the need for increased support and solidarity for those affected grows more urgent, illustrating that recovery from such a monumental disaster requires sustained efforts and understanding from the broader community.