In February 2023, the lives of Elcin and millions of other people in Türkiye and Syria were shattered by a devastating earthquake. The disaster caused around 60,000 deaths; hundreds of thousands were injured, and millions were displaced. The province of Hatay in the south of Türkiye was hit particularly hard. This is also where Elcin's hometown is located. Numerous buildings and houses were destroyed. Reconstruction work has been ongoing for a year and a half. The city has become like a gigantic building site. Rubble, construction vehicles, and cranes are everywhere.
Yet, apart from the construction noise, the city is entirely silent. Only a few children are out playing. The searing heat keeps most people inside their containers. For many residents who stayed or returned after the earthquakes, these containers are their temporary home - including Elcin and her father. “We've gotten used to living in a container, but I have no idea how long it will last,” says Elcin.
“Even though it is destroyed and there is rubble everywhere, there is still the smell of loved ones here.”Elcin, survivor of the Türkiye-Syria earthquakes.
The street where the family used to live no longer exists. Their house lies in ruins. Nevertheless, Elcin walks past it every day. “Even though it is destroyed and there is rubble everywhere, there is still the smell of loved ones here.” The loss and the memories of them are a part of Elcin's everyday life. She has a tattoo on her forearm in memory of her children. “I miss my children’s voice, my mother’s voice. I miss touching their faces and playing with them. I miss everything about them.
“I miss my children’s voice, my mother’s voice. I miss touching their faces and playing with them. I miss everything about them.“Elcin, survivor of the Türkiye-Syria earthquakes.
The silence is interrupted by the meowing of two kittens that Elcin has taken in. Looking after them and taking responsibility is like therapy for Elcin. “From the outside, I look very good, I look very strong, but inside, I am fighting with myself. It's good to take care of animals. When they run to us, when they hear our voice, and when they expect something from us, this is how we are surviving.”
The psychological impact of the earthquake is immense. Many people who have had traumatic experiences or lost loved ones are struggling with psychological issues. Elcin knows that. She has experienced it herself. But she doesn't give up. When she meets her children´s friends, they hug each other. “I want to be hope for them," she says.
Hygiene products and food most needed
Despite the ongoing rebuilding work, the effects of the earthquake are still noticeable in the region. The infrastructure is damaged, and there are water interruptions. Many people in the area have lost their livelihoods. After she was no longer paid in her old position at a local newspaper office, Elcin found a new job. Even so, it is still a major challenge for her and many other people in the city to access basic living needs. “Our primary needs are hygiene and food because now it is harder to access these,” says Elcin. She calls not to forget the people of Hatay and emphasises: “Live in the present. Value every moment you have.”
CARE and partners' response
With funding from the European Union, CARE provides much-needed assistance to those affected by the earthquake. By distributing drinking water, food, hygiene kits, kitchen utensils, and latrines, as well as providing protection services, shelter, and safe access to sanitation, thousands of people have benefited across multiple provinces in Türkiye and Syria impacted by the earthquake.