By Bhawna
We all are aware of the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Feb 6. The magnitudes were 7.8 and 7.5 on the Richter scale. These magnitudes were the strongest in these regions in the century. This is one of the deadliest natural calamities in the country and also in the history of humanity.
People left shattered
Image source: deccanherald.com
Life has changed for the people in Turkey. The death toll is more than 12,000. Many people are still missing. Many are critically injured. 6,000 buildings collapsed and many had residents inside them. Rescue is the foremost concern. Many people have been deployed for this and there are many people from the countries who have helped. But the life of the survivors is not going to be easy. And there are many who are still trapped under the debris. Rescue is still going on and the focus is also on shelter, food, and schooling. There are also concerns on health issues like cold weather, hygiene, and sanitation. There is also the spread of infectious diseases. Many people have come up with post-traumatic stress disorder. They have to start from scratch without belongings and a job. If the rescue effort is not managed properly, then it can have a repercussion. Many buildings have been damaged. There is this issue that were they made under the new codes and regulations. Erdogan called for the early May election because a lot of crisis was going on in the country. Many people in Turkey blamed defective construction for the destruction that happened. Turkey has construction codes for buildings’ construction that meet engineering standards but these codes were not followed.
The World Health Organization WHO has said that there should be a focus on trauma rehabilitation. They highlighted the need for psychological and mental health services in Turkey.
The situation is critical
Image source: reuters.com
This year is critical for Turkey as there is the Presidential election on May 14. There have questions as to what is going to happen in the elections. Tayyip Erdogan has responded to the calamity and asked for accountability as to how Turkish buildings collapsed so quickly. Many people have become homeless. These things will play a main role in his political future. Erdogan has called for unity and solidarity in these times. The election will not be postponed. This is because elections are only postponed at the time of wars. Erdogan was facing a challenge in gripping onto power before the earthquake also. There has been economic anxiety in Turkey. There have been record-high inflation. There has been a currency collapse also. This year is a sensitive year for Turkey. There is a Presidential election on May 14. The result of the election can be anything. And whether Erdogan stays in power or not, there would be huge consequences for Turkey’s population, economy, and democracy.
Syria’s situation
Image source: reuters.com
Syria was shattered by 12 years of war and terrorism. It was the least prepared for such a calamity. The infrastructure of the country is worn-out. The country remains under Western sanctions. There are many people who are refugees and internally displaced.
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Economic anxiety in Turkey
Image source: devex.com
There are many economic problems in Turkey. The tragedy will have a long-term negative impact on the country. There is also economic anxiety in Turkey. There have been high global energy prices, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. The Turkish lira has been low against the dollar. Investors have also pulled their money from Turkey.
Turkey’s democracy
Image source: foreignpolicy.com
Whether a natural disaster can shake down a government depends on two things: the winning coalition and how long the ruler has been in power. The risk is greater for democracies. Citizens say that democracies are accountable for good governance. This happens especially in the situation of earthquakes. And also, it is more during election years. Dictatorships don’t have such accountability. So, this earthquake will be problematic for Erdogan. He has a lot of pressure on him. Many people died in the earthquake. Turkey has a widening budget deficit. There are many inflationary pressures. There has been a blow to the country’s GDP. Erdogan has put his network to work for his country. He has called for his international connections to help the country. He also implemented emergency powers in the wake of the earthquake. Erdogan can postpone the election.
The humanitarian consequences of the earthquake are many. There are many displaced people struggling to meet their basic needs like shelter, hygiene, and safety in cold weather. Tents are still needed in many places. There are many villages in the disaster zone that are waiting for the relief funds. The schools are closed in Turkey.