Continuing Pain: 2nd Year of Earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş
On the 2nd anniversary of the devastating earthquakes that shook 11 provinces in Turkey, including Kahramanmaraş, the pain still lingers. The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6, resulted in the loss of 53,537 lives and left 107,213 people injured. The impact was felt not only in Kahramanmaraş but also in Hatay, Osmaniye, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Kilis, Adana, Malatya, and Elazig.
Following the earthquakes, a massive international and national relief effort was launched. Search and rescue teams from 93 countries arrived to help, and a total of 650,000 personnel, including 142,000 security personnel, were involved in rescue operations. 182 aircraft and 23 ships worked tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected.
Temporary shelter areas were established, with 645,000 tents and 215,224 containers providing housing for approximately 2.5 million people. The Ministry of National Education and Credit Dormitories Institution housed over 1 million people in their facilities. Additionally, efforts to reconstruct and rebuild homes and workplaces in the affected areas are ongoing, with a target of delivering 452,983 independent departments by the end of the year.
The Turkish Armed Forces played a crucial role in the rescue and relief operations, with over 40,000 soldiers, experts, and technical staff involved. Their efforts included evacuating over 22,000 citizens, providing medical services, distributing food and water, and establishing field kitchens to feed the displaced population.
As the nation remembers the tragic events of the earthquakes, the ongoing efforts to rebuild, support, and care for those affected continue. The pain may still be felt, but the resilience and unity shown in the face of adversity are a testament to the strength of the Turkish people.
