08.02.2023

Regarding the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that by putting the state and the nation shoulder to shoulder, the ruins caused by the disaster will be dealt with and citizens will not be left unattended.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a press statement after receiving a briefing from the ministers in the quake-hit areas at the Command of the 8th Commando Brigade in Hatay regarding the earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 7.6 of the Richter scale that took place in 10 provinces, centered in Kahramanmaraş, Pazarcık and Elbistan.

Stating that they experienced one of the biggest earthquake disasters in history, President Erdoğan said that they were exposed to two unequaled earthquakes in 10 provinces and Hatay is one of the cities that were affected and suffered the most regarding destruction and loss of life.

 Recalling his Kahramanmaraş visit, Erdoğan stated that the severity of the situation in Hatay is not much different from Kahramanmaraş.

 Wishing the citizens that were affected by the earthquake a speedy recovery Erdoğan wished Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives and patience for their relatives.

 Monitoring process continued under the coordination of AFAD

Stating that the governorships, the ministries and institutions took action and rushed to the aid of the citizens, Erdoğan said that all efforts in the field will continue under the coordination of AFAD. Underlining that their job was not easy considering the magnitude and prevalence of the destruction which was effective in an area of 500 kilometers where 13, 5 million people live and the difficulty of the weather conditions. He emphasized that they have mobilized all the capacity of the state and the nation and directed them to the disaster area. President Erdoğan said at least 60,000 accredited volunteers, including those from NGOs and foreign teams, are involved in earthquake search and rescue efforts.

 President Erdoğan stated that aid convoys were launched from all 71 provinces of the country and tens of thousands of people took the roads to support citizens in the quake-hit zones. Expressing that there are shortcomings and conditions are clear to see, Erdoğan said that it is not possible to be ready for a disaster like this. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that by putting the state and the nation shoulder to shoulder, the ruins caused by the disaster will be  reconstructed  and citizens will not be left unattended. He added that they have declared a state of emergency to ensure rescue and recovery works can be carried out quickly.

 This is a Period of Solidarity and Unity

Stressing that all the necessary measures will be taken to ensure no one is left under the rubble, President Erdoğan pointed out that the disaster management will be conducted in such a manner as to leave no victim behind.

 Stating that this is a period of unity and solidarity and Turkish state and nation will overcome this crisis shoulder to shoulder, Erdoğan pushed back against local critics who alleged that the area has an insufficient number of police officers and soldiers involved in rescue work.

He emphasized that the government, The Ministry of Treasury and Finance being in the first place, have mobilized all its means and taken steps and have decided to give 10 thousand liras to each earthquake victims in this period.

 We Will Expedite House Construction

President Erdoğan stated that they will expedite both the debris removal and the construction of houses by engaging all the contractor companies under TOKİ's management. Erdogan said that they targeted the full recovery and reconstruction of all quake-hit provinces including the districts within a year.

 Our President Mr. Erdoğan noted that AFAD's tents are at the disposal of earthquake victims in provinces and districts.

 Expressing that over 60 countries are providing assistance to Türkiye following the deadly earthquakes, President Erdogan said that Azerbaijan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait pledge to provide support and send financial aid and aid in kind.

 Expressing that AFAD supported financial aid and aid in kind by organizations in Türkiye, President Erdogan thanked the citizens for their support.

 170 Teams Continue More than 5 Thousand Search and Rescue Efforts

 Erdoğan stated that 9,057 people (3 thousand 356 in Hatay) have lost their lives and 52,979 individuals have been injured and 2 thousand 749 buildings have been destroyed.

 Erdoğan added that more than 21,200 personnel, including soldiers, gendarmerie and police, are taking part in rescue efforts in Hatay by criticizing some dishonorable, dishonest people who are making false statements such as ‘we didn't see any soldiers or police in Hatay’. Responding to these statements, Erdoğan said that the soldiers and police of this nation are honorable and that he will not let the disreputable speak of them like this.

 President Erdoğan stated that 9,179 healthcare professionals are accredited and 7 governors and 12 district governors are assigned there. Sharing that 2 thousand 749 buildings have been destroyed in Hatay Erdoğan reported that 170 teams involving more than 5 thousand search and rescue efforts and 18 countries from abroad are participating in these search and rescue efforts. He wished Allah's mercy upon those who lost their lives and speedy recovery to the injured citizens. President Erdoğan concluded his speech by announcing that the university hospital in Hatay will actively participate in rescue efforts as of this evening.