Türkiye Highlights Post-Earthquake Rebuilding Efforts

Events unfolded in the Turkish provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman, and Malatya from February 9 to 11, 2024, to showcase ongoing reconstruction and development initiatives after a devastating earthquake.

Representatives from the administrations of these provinces, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), and media representatives from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus participated in the events. The initiative was spearheaded by the Communications Directorate of the Turkish Presidency.

Governor Mükerrem Ünler of Kahramanmaraş outlined the measures taken in the province post-earthquake, including addressing damaged and destroyed buildings, ongoing residential construction, and plans for constructing 54,789 structures. In 2023, 90% of these constructions were already completed, with 68,990 people having relocated to their new homes.

Adıyaman Governor Osman Varol reported during his presentation that 33,112 buildings would be constructed in the province. He underscored the coordinated efforts of all state structures in healing the wounds caused by the earthquake. Schools and commercial establishments are resuming activities, and residents have begun settling into new houses.

The delegation then moved to Malatya, where Governor Ersin Yazıcı announced that the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye would initiate the construction of 23,000 houses and 11,000 commercial buildings on 313 hectares. This initiative aims to swiftly restore social life and commercial activities, with some work already commenced in the city center in September of the last year.

Subsequent to these discussions, the participants visited construction sites in the provinces.

According to AFAD, the two earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye on February 6, 2023, resulted in the death of 53,537 people, with 107,213 individuals sustaining injuries.