arabic.euronews.com
Turkey Earthquake: Two Years On, Survivors Still Struggle
Two years after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated southern Turkey, killing over 53,000 and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless, survivors like 51-year-old Omar Aydin still live in temporary containers, struggling with economic hardship and the psychological trauma of the disaster.
- What are the immediate and long-term consequences for earthquake survivors in Turkey, beyond the physical destruction of homes?
- Two years after a devastating earthquake struck southern Turkey, survivor Omar Aydin and many others still face immense challenges. Living in a temporary container unit, he struggles not only with the earthquake's aftermath but also with Turkey's worsening economic crisis. His home in Iskenderun was destroyed, and he now relies on meager state aid to support his three children, one of whom requires ongoing cancer treatment.
- How does the ongoing economic crisis in Turkey affect the recovery efforts and the well-being of earthquake survivors like Omar Aydin?
- Aydin's plight exemplifies the ongoing struggle of many Turkish earthquake survivors. The government aims to complete 452,983 housing units by 2025, but nearly half a million people remain in temporary shelters. The lack of sustainable income and the psychological toll are significant obstacles to recovery, highlighting the long road to recovery.
- What systemic issues, beyond the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, hinder the recovery process and contribute to the continued hardship experienced by survivors?
- The long-term impact of the earthquake extends beyond immediate housing needs. Aydin's struggle to find work as an electrician, coupled with his son's cancer treatment, reveals the systemic challenges survivors face. The economic downturn exacerbates these difficulties, indicating that the full recovery will require substantial and sustained support.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the human cost of the earthquake through personal narratives of struggle and hardship. This approach, while emotionally resonant, may downplay systemic issues, government response effectiveness, and the extent of recovery efforts. The headline (if there was one) would significantly influence the overall framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, focusing on factual details and direct quotes from individuals. While terms like "struggle," "hardship," and "despair" are used, they are appropriate in the context of the devastating events being described. There are no loaded or charged terms that sway the reader's interpretation.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the struggles of two individuals, Omar Aydin and Sungul Erol, providing a deeply personal account of their experiences. While this offers a strong emotional connection, it may omit the broader socio-economic impacts of the earthquake on the wider population and the government's overall response beyond the mentioned housing initiatives. The article also doesn't detail the long-term psychological effects on survivors beyond mentioning depression and despair.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the ongoing economic hardship faced by earthquake survivors in Turkey, including the struggle to secure employment and meet basic needs. This directly impacts their ability to escape poverty and rebuild their lives. The case of Omar Aydin, a 51-year-old electrician struggling to support his family with limited employment opportunities and insufficient government aid, exemplifies this.