The devastating aftermath of the Turkey-Syria earthquakes | DW News
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Published 2023-02-16
According to Turkish authorities, nearly 13 million people in 10 cities have been affected, and at least 33,143 buildings have either collapsed, been severely damaged or require immediate demolition. The number is likely to rise as officials continue to assess the damage. An estimated 1 million people are currently without shelter. Most of them are living in tents or student dormitories.
Now, as the public's initial shock wears off and the dust settles, the sheer scale of the devastation is becoming even more apparent. And with that also comes the question of who is to blame. "Destiny's plan includes such things," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told an earthquake victim during his brief visit to the region, 56 hours after the disaster. In response, many locals asked on social media, "Why doesn't destiny ever visit Japan?" Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay pointed the finger at 134 builders from the region who have been arrested across the country on suspicion of shoddy or negligent construction. Some were arrested at airports as they attempted to flee the country with large sums of cash.
The Ministry of Justice sent a letter to prosecutors to establish "Earthquake Crime Investigation Offices." But the recent history of earthquake investigations in Turkey raises the question of whether senior officials, who were allegedly negligent in the inspection and approval processes, will actually be punished. That has not been the case in the past.
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#Turkey #Syria #Earthquake
All Comments (21)
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What an awful tragedy! Imagine being asleep in your bed to be abruptly awakened to your house or apt. Building falling down on top of you!! Laying there trapped, scared, cold, hungry , waiting for rescuers hoping & praying someone hears you , finds you. Wondering if your children are alive and other relatives in nearby buildings are alive and you have to stay where you are and wait. And if God willing you are found to get medical treatment and leave hospital and return to ?? No home, no clothing, all personal memorabilia gone! Prayers to these poor people from Pennsylvania, USA
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we need to help the people who survived ... they lost everything
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Having been to Turkey in past and knowing the nice warm people there, I cannot stop tears seeing these devastating scenes. Hope for quick recovery and strength to those impacted. Om shanti.
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As a Chilean my heart goes to all people of Turkey and Syria. We have suffered tragic earthquakes before so we knew how painful it is.
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R.I.P to the 40,000 + lost in the quake. 1 million people homeless/displaced 😞🥺💔
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I am so sorry for this brutal devastation. Praying for all, and Syria to get more help. So heartbreaking. So grateful for my little trailer, heat, food and a bed right now. God Bless these poor people.
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I hope the gentleman finds his baby and the women helping in preparing the deceased bodies are very kind.
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God have mercy! This is too sad. People of Turkey and Syria may God give you strength going through these difficult times!
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What a tragedy, so much loss.
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How kind of those who are also suffering to make sure others’ loved ones are being treated with respect and buried properly.
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Heart goes to the people.
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As a Turkish citizen, I would like to thank everyone who felt our sadness. Your help and support has saved many lives. Turkey is grateful to you. 🇹🇷🫶
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Minnesota sends love and affection and prayers for our fellow human beings.💙💙🙏 Our hearts break for your losses!
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My heartfelt condolences goes to all those who have lost their loved ones in this natural disaster
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From Puerto Rico 🇵🇷, sending prayers and love ,we feel your pain,your loss
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My deepest respect and condolences to everyone who was affected by these devastating earthquakes. I have to say, DW has been earning my respect for many years by now and seeing how this incredibly difficult subject is being treated is raising my respect for this news channel even more. Absolutely spotless coverage, respectful of the victims and their families, mindful to specify that those filmed agreed to it. This is some really great reporting. Thank you for doing what you do.
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It will take time to find loved ones and to know who is alive and who is not. What a traversy so much devastation, so much loss. I hope all of humanity will come together, there will be more natural disasters ahead. Much Love and Respect for those who survived and have lost all.
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Prayers and condolences to all the people in Syria & Turkey 🕊🙏❤
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Very respectful reporting. Thank you for showing your respect for those who are suffering so much x
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Heartfelt condolences. This is so devastating.
