Amidst the unforgiving chill of Türkiye’s winter, survivors in the high-altitude villages of Kahramanmaras province grapple with the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck on February 6. In Pazarcik district, the village of Büyüknacar, perched at an altitude of 1,800 meters, has been particularly hard-hit.
“This is the coldest, hardest part of Pazarcik,” says a resident, shivering in the frigid air. “Most of our homes are damaged. We have nowhere to go.”
The twin earthquakes inflicted heavy casualties and widespread destruction across southern Türkiye and northern Syria. While aid has begun to reach urban centers, remote villages like Büyüknacar remain in dire need. The altitude exacerbates the cold, making survival all the more challenging for those without proper shelter.
In neighboring villages, the situation is similarly bleak. Many residents still lack tents or adequate accommodation. Some have taken refuge in greenhouses, seeking any form of shelter against the elements.
“We are grateful for the help that has come, but it’s not enough,” explains another villager. “We need more tents, heaters, and supplies. The cold is unbearable, and people are getting sick.”
Rescue and relief teams face significant challenges reaching these isolated communities. Snow-covered roads and damaged infrastructure hinder the delivery of essential aid. Humanitarian organizations urge for more resources and coordinated efforts to assist those in the most remote and affected areas.
The resilience of the villagers is palpable, yet their needs are urgent. As international support continues to mobilize, the hope is that relief can be accelerated to prevent further tragedies in these freezing, hard-hit regions.
Reference(s):
Visit to freezing hard-hit village at Türkiye quake epicenter
cgtn.com
