Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
6 February 2024 | 13:00 CAT
2 min read

Photo Credit: NPR

As Turkey continues its arduous rebuilding in the aftermath of last year’s powerful earthquake, insights from Turkish journalist Turkmen Tehzi, in an interview with Radio Islam International, shed light on the ongoing challenges affected communities face.

Tehzi emphasised the immense difficulty of coping and rebuilding, stating, “It’s incredibly tough to cope and rebuild.”

His perspective extends beyond immediate recovery to the long-term effects of such disasters. He notes, “It’s been over two decades since the last major earthquake, and yet another struck last year.” This sobering reality underscores the persistent vulnerability of regions prone to seismic activity.

Expressing scepticism about government efforts, Tehzi highlighted the slow progress in providing essential housing to displaced individuals. He revealed, “Despite promises, only a fraction of the needed houses have been delivered,” signalling a gap between commitments and tangible action.

The scale of destruction becomes evident, as Tehzi pointed out, “Tens of thousands of buildings and hundreds of thousands of homes were destroyed.” These staggering numbers vividly depict communities’ immense challenges to rebuild their lives.

Amidst these formidable obstacles, Tehzi raised critical concerns about the potential impact of future earthquakes, particularly in densely populated areas like Istanbul. “If another earthquake hits Istanbul, the consequences could be devastating,” he warns, emphasising the urgency of proactive measures to mitigate risks.

Tehzi’s perspective offered a deeper understanding of the resilience exhibited by Turkish communities in the face of adversity. His insights are a poignant reminder of the ongoing need for support and solidarity in the continued recovery efforts.

Listen to the full interview with Sulaiman Ravat and Turkmen Tehzi on Sabahul Muslim here.