Temporary camps have been set up by government and residents. People are doing what they can to survive Photo Hasina Gori
Turkey – “What we saw there was streets upon streets of just devastation. Every time we thought that this was the worst we’ve seen, you saw even worse. It’s communities that were just razed to the ground. All that’s left sometimes is remnants.”
This is how Hasina Gori, Salaamedia’s ground reporter, described the once beautiful city of Hatay. Devastation as far as the eye can see. Washing still hanging on the line speaks to how people were getting prepared for the next day. The earthquake struck with ferocity and with no warning.
Search and rescue mission
It has been more than 200 hours since the massive earthquakes struck and search and rescue missions are slowly winding down. Even with hope fading of finding anymore survivors, Gori witnessed families waiting by the rubble where their houses once stood hoping to even recover a body. What amazed her is even during these times, rescue workers ensured the deceased are treated with dignity.
“One scene that we managed to get to, a body had just been brought up. It’s amazing to see the dignity with which the rescue teams use to ensure that those who are found are still covered. They are not exposed. They’re given such dignity at that time.”
SMread: Deadliest earthquake in Turkey’s modern history
The economic situation of Turkey
Turkey has been struggling with high rates of inflation. According to official sources, the inflation rate in Turkey sits at 85% but independent analysts say it’s more likely 176%. Travelling through the city of Matalya Gori got a true sense of how the earthquake has impacted the economy in Turkey.
“It is quite jarring to see high-rises still standing and then in between them businesses that were crushed and streets that were just crushed. We came upon some families that were trying to get into their businesses to salvage whatever goods that’s left.”
The city of Malatya’s economic area was also devastated. Shop owners could be seen trying to get into their business and salvage any goods that remain. This also as community fear looting after the devastating earthquakes shook the Turkish southern area. Cold weather and dwindling supplies have left many in the affected areas evacuating Video Hasina Gori
The impact on survivors
In her journey Gori has come across many who have stayed behind in the ruined cities. The towns along the border housed many Syrians who left their beloved country seeking a new and better life. Many find it hard to speak about what just happened but the look in their eyes tells a story words cannot describe.
“I met an old man last night in one of the towns that was the epicentre … He said he had left Syria two years ago to make a life here and now he’s displaced once again … It’s quite hard to speak to some of them because it is a sensitive time. Many are just dealing with the pain, trying to find their loved ones, trying to keep warm and those that have jobs are still trying to carry on.”
Listen: Hasina Gori provides an update on the situation in Turkey and those living in temporary camps
Those that have the means have left to stay in Istanbul, Antalya and other safer cities. Hotels have been booked out completely and finding a place to stay is almost impossible. Those that don’t have the means have been staying in camps like the ones set up in Diyarbakir.
“Those that are left behind are really the hardest hit. The poorest of the poor. They’re staying in temporary shelters, they’re staying in tents that AFDA has put up. We know that certain governments have sent temporary shelter. That is what we’re seeing right now. Even if people want to go into their buildings it is completely not recommended.”
The life of those living in a temporary camp in Diyarbakir Photo Hasina Gori
The life of those living in a temporary camp in Diyarbakir Photo Hasina Gori
The life of those living in a temporary camp in Diyarbakir Photo Hasina Gori
The life of those living in a temporary camp in Diyarbakir Photo Hasina Gori
The life of those living in a temporary camp in Diyarbakir Photo Hasina Gori
Those who do venture into the city are greeted by empty walls and streets filled with rubble. Towns are deserted. People come to get what they can salvage and leave immediately.
“What I saw in Matalya this morning was people who had come out on the streets just walking through. You got the sense that they were just walking for the first time and taking in what had happened and then trying to understand what had happened. It’s a ghost town. The one area we were in last night you could hear yourself echo when you spoke because it was just completely deserted.”
To hear what Hasina Gori said about the government and how they are helping its citizens listen to the podcast here:
