Beyond the rubble: Turkey marks one year since catastrophic February 6 earthquakes

On the first anniversary of the February 6th earthquakes that struck Turkey, devastating communities and claiming the lives of 50,096 individuals, the nation and the world reflect on the tragedy and its aftermath. The hardest-hit province, Hatay, sits within a disaster zone as extensive as the Netherlands and Belgium combined, epitomizing the immense challenges and ongoing recovery efforts in the face of widespread destruction. Reports from Cumhuriyet highlight a range of critical issues, from the accountability of construction contractors to the psychological impact on survivors, showcasing the ongoing struggles and resilience of affected communities.

The legal proceedings against contractors, a focal point of scrutiny, reveal only a fraction facing legal action despite the vast scale of destruction. The apprehension of a contractor attempting to flee the country underscores the dire consequences of construction negligence. In Istanbul, families commemorating lost loved ones send a powerful message of remembrance and justice, highlighting the collective memory and commitment to accountability. Mental health professionals warn of the anniversary's potential to trigger psychological distress, emphasizing the need for ongoing support.

The Turkish Medical Association's findings in the earthquake zone reveal environmental and health hazards from rapid debris removal and profit-driven recovery efforts, with reports of chemical contamination and inadequate access to basic needs. As the world marks the anniversary of this calamity, the stories emerging from Turkey serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of inadequate urban planning and the importance of building resilience against future disasters, with the hope that lessons learned lead to safer, more equitable communities.