In the wake of two devastating earthquakes that struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria, survivors in the epicenter town of Pazarcik are grappling with dire living conditions. The quakes flattened buildings of all kinds, claiming thousands of lives, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescuers continue to search through the rubble.
On February 10, six days after the first major earthquake, CGTN Stringer Neyran Elden visited Pazarcik in Kahramanmaras province. She found a community struggling to meet basic needs amid the vast devastation and logistical challenges.
Due to the enormous scale of the disaster and blocked roads, many residents still lack access to essential supplies such as tents, heaters, food, and other necessities. With temperatures plummeting to -10 degrees Celsius at night, the cold adds another layer of hardship. Many have been forced to sleep in their cars, while others burn wood salvaged from the debris to keep warm.
“We have nowhere to go,” said one resident. “Our homes are gone, and help hasn’t reached us yet. We are doing what we can to survive.”
The situation in Pazarcik reflects the broader challenges facing disaster-stricken areas. Relief efforts are ongoing, but the sheer magnitude of the destruction has overwhelmed local resources. Aid organizations and volunteers are working tirelessly to reach isolated communities, but weather conditions and infrastructure damage are hindering progress.
The resilience of the survivors is evident as they band together to share resources and support one another. However, there is an urgent need for more assistance to prevent further tragedies in the aftermath of the earthquakes.
As the world watches, it is a stark reminder of the importance of swift and coordinated disaster response efforts to aid those in desperate need.
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Survivors in the Türkiye quake epicenter facing harsh living condition
cgtn.com
