Erdogan admits problems managing the earthquake catastrophe that leaves thousands dead

The response of the Turkish authorities to the earthquakes in the south of the country has not been as fast as the Government expected. The president of Turkey himself, the conservative Islamist Recep Tayyip Erdoganhas recognized for the first time problems managing rescue efforts and the effects of the earthquake that last Monday affected a large part of the territory and already leaves 18,991 dead and more than 75,500 wounded.

“It is a fact that we have not been able to respond so quickly as we expected,” he explained from a survivor camp in the province of Adiyaman, also hit by the earthquake. “We are facing one of the greatest catastrophes in our history,” he added.

Erdogan also took the opportunity before the media to thank the 94 countries around the world that have sent aid since two earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 7.6 devastated a territory as large as Bulgaria or Cuba in the southeast of Turkey, that have caused destruction in ten provinces.

The president has assured that all the destroyed houses would be rebuilt within a year and that the Turkish state will pay the rents of people who have to settle in homes outside their region for one year.

In this context, four days after the catastrophe, the Turkish government declared a state of emergency. “With the state of emergency (in force since Thursday), the Turkish state has assumed the powers in this regard. When those who commit these abuses are caught, the necessary measures will be taken,” the president warned about the “ignorant” who they are robbing shops and looting markets in the devastated areas.

“Our army, police and gendarmerie play an active role in providing security and help. 26 ships, 75 planes, 81 helicopters, more than 12,000 construction teams work in the region day and night,” Erdogan said.

But the Turkish opposition’s criticism of the president continues. His political adversaries blame Erdogan for failing to foresee disasters of this type, for having wasted state funds that should have gone on security against earthquakes, and for obstructing and centralizing aid.

The president has responded to these criticisms by asking the public to do not believe the words of those who criticize your government for some efforts that they label as insufficient. “Please, do not believe them, it does not matter what institution or organization or political party is exploiting this work. We will not allow those who loot or those who want to turn this pain into political looting,” Erdogan has defended.

Life after 110 hours under rubble

And far from political conflicts, rescuers continue their work. The Spaniards of the EMU have achieved save two brothers and their motherfound after 110 hours under the rubble.

The experts work against the clock and do not cease in their work to continue saving lives. Karam’s, who with only 20 days of life clings to the lock of her mother’s hair, still missing.

Also, somehow, that of Biazid, who lost his wife and daughter in the earthquake and who, still disoriented and in tears, has been reunited with Ibrahim, his 18-month-old son, whom he had not seen since the early morning of the earthquake.

Another 14 survivors have used the presidential plane to fly to Ankara with drips and, enjoying the comfort of some seats, leave behind the horror experienced.

Aid finally begins to arrive in Syria

Meanwhile, In Syriathe first aid trucks humanitarian workers have finally managed to cross the rebel zone and are heading towards the affected region. The Council of Ministers of the Government of Syria has approved in extraordinary session the permit for the entry of aid to those areas devastated by the earthquake that are under rebel control.

Likewise, the Council of Ministers has decided to establish a national reconstruction fund for the affected areas to “provide all possible support to the victims, and facilitate the entry of all donations and similar initiatives by all means.”

From Aleppo, on his first visit to the victims, President Bashar Al-Assad has charged the West for, he says, prioritizing politics over the humanitarian situation.

time keeps tickingboth in Syria and Turkey, making it increasingly difficult to find life among the ruins.