One year after the earthquake that devastated southeastern Turkey, how are the survivors living? Report from Antioch.
This Tuesday will mark the first anniversary of the earthquake which devastated southeastern Turkey, leaving 53,000 dead, 100,000 injured and 700,000 homeless.
In Antioch, the hardest hit city, 90% of buildings were destroyed.
Survivors are still waiting for the help promised by the government. Like Kamil, a truck driver, who now lives in his truck: “They told us they were going to offer us an apartment, but when, how, we don’t know.”
Some were relocated in containers, others in tents. They are currently facing winter temperatures. “It’s very cold at night, but it’s okay in the morning”testifies a child.
The eight members of the family live in a tent. His big brother explains: “Here, three children sleep on the carpet, me on the sofa and my little brother on the bed. We requested a container but we haven’t received anything yet.”
The authorities promise that the new buildings will strictly respect anti-seismic standards.
No building constructed in downtown Antioch will now be allowed to exceed four stories.