Turkey marks one year since devastating earthquake, demands echo: 'Can You Hear Us?'

Turkey commemorates the one-year anniversary of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that claimed over 50,000 lives and reshaped entire cities, marking it as the deadliest disaster in modern times.

Grief-stricken citizens, still grappling with the trauma, participate in pre-dawn vigils across 11 southeastern provinces officially designated as the disaster zone.

The updated toll released on Friday reveals a staggering 53,537 casualties, with an additional 5,951 lives lost in neighboring Syria, solidifying last year’s February 6 earthquake as one of the 10 deadliest in the past century globally.

Antakya and other ancient cities bear the scars, with some wiped off the map and others displaying stark reminders of apartment towers reduced to rubble. Survivors recount the chilling moments as their homes crumbled, leaving them exposed to freezing temperatures and the screams of those trapped beneath debris.

In the aftermath, container camps housing hundreds of thousands of survivors now dot the landscape.

Cagla Demirel, a 31-year-old survivor, laments, “Life has lost its spark. I have no family left to visit, no door to knock on, no pleasant place to be. Nothing remains.”

A Cry for Recognition: ‘Can You Hear Us?’

Antakya’s residents, enduring the aftermath, plan a collective vigil on Tuesday at 4:17 am, exactly a year after the quake struck. The poignant cry, “Can you hear us?” reverberates not only as a desperate plea for missing loved ones but also as a nuanced reminder to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government that many feel left behind.

Analysts point to the region’s existing challenges, citing high unemployment and underinvestment. The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey emphasizes the disparities, stating, “Some districts in the region have the highest poverty rate in Turkey.”

Government’s Response and Ongoing Challenges

President Erdogan faces criticism regarding the government’s preparedness and response. While he terms the quake “the catastrophe of the century,” critics argue that the region, already burdened by poverty, lacks sufficient support.

Erdogan, countering accusations, promises swift action. He has commenced the distribution of keys for 7,000 new apartments out of the 46,000 ready for delivery this month. Despite progress, the road to recovery remains arduous.

“Of course, we cannot bring back the lives we lost, but we can compensate all the other losses,” Erdogan reassures. Yet, the reality remains stark for individuals like ice cream vendor Kadir Yeniceli, who states, “There has been no return to normal.”

Uncertain Future and Calls for Change

Erdogan’s housing initiatives, announced ahead of the 2023 general election, offered hope to many, contributing to his victory. However, concerns linger as the nation grapples with the ongoing risk of earthquakes and accusations of building safety violations.

As Turkey continues to straddle active fault lines, the need for transitioning from crisis management to risk management becomes apparent.

Istanbul Technical University’s Professor Mikdat Kadioglu asserts, “There is still much to be done.”

The nation, still haunted by the echoes of tragedy, faces an uncertain future, emphasizing the urgency for comprehensive measures to mitigate future risks.