The United Nations (UN) has declared that the search for survivors of the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, is coming to an end.
The earthquake left a devastating impact, with the death toll in Turkey rising to 31,643 according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), and 3,581 reported deaths in Syria. Despite the end of the search phase, rescuers are still finding signs of life amidst the rubble, with a four-year-old girl and a woman rescued alive after a week trapped.
As the rescue efforts enter a slower phase, both countries are grappling with the question of who is to blame for the lack of skilled rescue workers. The Turkish Justice Minister, Bekir Bozdag, has announced that 134 people are being investigated for their alleged involvement in building properties that were illegal and of poor quality, failing to meet the engineering standards that would have made them more resistant to earthquakes.
Justice in Turkey is taking legal action against 130 people suspected of being involved in the development of these buildings, and the Turkish Justice Minister has promised to punish those responsible for the tragedy. The Ministry of Justice has started collecting building samples to test the materials used in construction and so far, three people have been arrested, seven have been detained, and seven have been prevented from leaving the country.
Turkey has building codes that are in line with current earthquake engineering standards, but they are often not enforced, leading to the collapse of thousands of buildings during the recent earthquake. The lack of enforcement of building codes is one of the main reasons that so many buildings have fallen or collapsed on residents. The earthquakes were indeed strong, but victims, experts, and people across Turkey are blaming poor construction for multiplying the destruction.
With the end of the search phase for survivors, the UN has stated that the focus should now shift to ensuring shelter and basic conditions for survivors and the displaced. The situation is dire, with many people left homeless and in need of basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care. The international community has stepped up to offer aid, with many countries sending teams and supplies to help those in need. The UN and other organizations are working tirelessly to coordinate these efforts and get the necessary support to those who need it most.
In addition to the immediate response, there will also need to be a long-term plan for recovery and rebuilding. The earthquake has left a significant impact, both physically and emotionally, on the people of Turkey and Syria, and it will take time for the affected areas to fully recover. The international community must come together to provide the necessary support to ensure that the affected communities are able to rebuild and recover from this tragedy.
The earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the need for better building codes and enforcement. Natural disasters such as earthquakes are unpredictable, but the effects can be mitigated with proper planning and implementation of safety measures. The UN and other organizations will continue to work to promote disaster risk reduction and resilience in communities around the world, to prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future.
