Erdogan acknowledges inefficiency in relief work
Turkey’s KAHRAMANMARAS/ANTAKYA, Feb. 9 (Reuters) – On Thursday, the number of deaths from the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria reached 15,000. People are angry due to late arrival of rescue teams.
On a visit to the disaster area on Wednesday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan declared that operations were now running properly and pledged that no one shall be without shelter.
People searched for temporary shelter and food in the bitterly cold winter weather while waiting in misery among piles of debris where loved ones might still be buried.
Rescuers continued to discover several survivors. However, many Turks have lamented the lack of resources, know-how, and assistance for the rescue of people who are stranded, sometimes even while they could hear screams for assistance.
People are aggrieved of the state for not sending rescue teams on time. It is feared that those who survived the earthquake may die from hunger and cold.
Erdogan has declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces and sent troops to help. He visited Kahramanmaras on Wednesday to view the damage and see the rescue and relief effort.
Turkey leader acknowledges earthquake relief problems as death toll passes 15,000. Erdogan acknowledges inefficiency in relief work. He told reporters that there had been issues with the relief work due oads and airports. However, “we are better today.”
Erdogan furthered said : “We still face some fuel-related challenges, but we will also resolve them “Turkey remarked.”
Nevertheless, the calamity will present Erdogan with a challenge in the May election, which was always expected to be the most difficult contest of his 20 years in power.