CHP Tekirdag Deputy Dr., who has been in Malatya since the first days of the earthquake. Candan Yüceer shared her impressions. Dr. Yüceer said, “We will get through these difficult days together with solidarity. However, we must take action as soon as possible so that this pain does not happen again. Natural disasters are inevitable, but it is in our hands to take precautions.”
CHP PM Member, Tekirdağ Deputy Dr. Candan Yüceer went to Malatya after the earthquake in Kahramanmaraş, which caused great destruction and loss of life in 11 provinces. Participating in relief efforts in the earthquake-affected areas in Malatya and visiting earthquake victims, Dr. Yüceer conveyed his impressions in Malatya.
Stating that there were 2 thousand 528 buildings destroyed in Malatya, Dr. Yüceer said, “There are 13 thousand 106 buildings with heavy damage and 706 buildings with moderate damage. Malatya, especially when Kahramanmaraş, Hatay and Adıyaman are taken into consideration, is a city where relatively few buildings have been demolished and less debris, but many buildings are damaged in Malatya. People hesitate to enter buildings that are not damaged. Because aftershocks continue,” he said.
LACK OF ORGANIZATION, LACK OF PREPARATION, MY EARTHQUAKE WAS ALL TOGETHER
Referring to the lack of earthquake search and rescue and aid organization, Dr. Yüceer said, “In the first days of the earthquake, all the focus was on search and rescue efforts. There were no professional teams in Malatya in the first days of the earthquake. People tried to save their relatives by their own means, and there were serious problems in professional intervention. We had a great chaos in this whole process. Lack of organization, unpreparedness and not predicting the earthquake were all in one.”
HOUSING PROBLEM CONTINUES
Noting that the housing problem continues, Dr. Yüceer said, “The biggest need is shelter. Our citizens are trying to settle down. However, the lack of tents and containers still continues. There is even more demand for containers than tents. Because the tents are not suitable for the cold weather conditions of the region. Along with shelter, mobile toilets are also a very serious need. Likewise, access to clean water and clean food. Because, especially when clean water and food needs are met today, the needs that will emerge again tomorrow. Clean underwear also shows itself as a particularly serious need.”
EXPERIENCED SOLIDARITY GAVE THE STRENGTH TO RESIST THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECT OF THE EARTHQUAKE
Stating that the solidarity experienced after the earthquake is an example to the whole world, Dr. Yüceer said, “Everyone from all over the country and the world rushed to help. Solidarity, which was in the wreck search and rescue efforts on the first day, is now more directed towards needs. The solidarity experienced gave the strength to resist the devastating effect of the earthquake and the strength to endure the suffering. So much so that in the places we went, we had earthquake survivors who asked, “What can we do for you?” We will get through these difficult days together with solidarity. However, we must take action as soon as possible so that this pain does not happen again. Natural disasters are inevitable, but it is in our hands to take precautions.”
