On February 6, 2023, a devastating earthquake struck Turkey, disrupting the lives of countless Turkish earthquake survivors. Gfoundation has dispatched the Emergency Relief Responses teams to provide urgent relief supplies, hygiene items, groceries, and essential household goods to the survivors.
Six months have passed since the devasting earthquake hit Turkey. How has the situation in Turkey changed?
Gfoundation would like to share the story of Kim Joo-seung, a representative from Gfoundation, who was dispatched to Turkey for a month to assess the effectiveness of numerous relief projects, especially the ‘Access to Clean Water Project.’
Q: Please introduce yourself.
Hello. I am Kim Joo-seung, a representative from Gfoundation, who carried out an assignment in Turkey from July to August.
Q: What tasks did you handle in Turkey?
Currently, Gfoundation is undertaking a project in collaboration with local organizations to install water tanks in the earthquake-affected areas of Turkey.
I was responsible for facilitating communication between local organizations and our headquarters to ensure the smooth progress of the project. Additionally, I conducted meetings and research surveys in the affected area.
Q: How did you prepare before you were dispatched to Turkey?
The aspect I paid the most attention to in preparation was getting ready for the project operation. To better understand the project, I reviewed the plans multiple times and kept myself updated on the situation by watching news reports. I put more effort into preparing for the tasks than preparing for daily necessities like food or household items.
Q: Could you please describe the situation in Turkey now?
Fortunately, in the city of Gaziantep, where I primarily stayed and worked, it seems daily life returned to normal. Only sometimes we can see the remnants of collapsed buildings. However, in other areas, we could easily see and feel the harrowing aftermath of the earthquake.
The city of Hatay was filled with containers from the moment I entered, and the remnants of collapsed buildings were gathered into piles of cement, with cement dust scattered all around.
According to the residents, even the buildings that are still standing are unsafe due to the cracks. They mentioned that the damaged buildings needed to be demolished and rebuilt.
Faced with such a daunting task, I sincerely hoped that they could reclaim their normal lives as soon as possible, despite not knowing where to start.
Q: What initiatives is Gfoundation undertaking to help the Turkish earthquake survivors?
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, we mobilized an emergency relief team to provide essential supplies and food to those affected. We aimed to offer comfort to the earthquake survivors who had suddenly lost their homes and possibly their loved ones.
Furthermore, collaborating with the Love Fruit Recovery Joint Fundraising Association and with the Korea Civil Society Organization for International Development (KCOC), Gfoundation has installed water purification systems in key refugee camp areas.
As of the present, Gfoundation is working in collaboration with the Turkish Red Cross to provide clean water, which is the most essential resource, to the earthquake survivors residing in temporary shelters. We are accomplishing this project by installing water tanks for easy access.
Q: Is there a specific reason for undertaking the water tank installation project among various initiatives?
Because of an uncertain timeline for building reconstruction, survivors must find stability in their lives while residing in temporary shelters. Access to clean water is the most fundamental necessity for survivors.
According to the earthquake survivors residing in temporary shelters, they have had to purchase bottled water due to the inadequate supply of drinking water provided by the government. They also mention that there is currently a shortage of water for basic hygiene needs.
Turkey is still experiencing scorching summer temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. In the earthquake-affected areas, they are filled with concrete dust due to reconstruction. The installation of water tanks is expected to help anyone easily access clean water. We hope this initiative will make a significant difference for the affected communities in Turkey.
Q: Are there still challenges that the Turkish earthquake survivors need to face?
I observed that many buildings remained in their collapsed state and the buildings that are still in shape are almost about to collapse and unable to function as a building. It appears that a significant amount of time and resources will be required. Furthermore, I also recognized the need for assistance to support the many Syrian refugees who came to Turkey due to internal civil war and earthquakes.
Q: Finally, what is the most memorable experience you had?
One day, there was an earthquake strong enough to shake the entire building where I was staying. Experiencing an earthquake is not common in Korea, and it really scared me and I quickly evacuated the building. Fortunately, a local resident who was with me explained the situation, reassured me, and provided information about how to respond.
Experiencing an unexpected earthquake in Turkey, I realized that there is no difference between people who receive help or people who give help. I came to Turkey to give help, but at the same time, they helped me as well.
It has been six months, but the earthquake survivors in Turkey continue to face ongoing challenges. Your consistent interest and continuous support are essential to bring the normalcy of daily life back to survivors. Gfoundation is committed to comforting the pain that survivors bear and working towards a world where there is no clear distinction between those who give help and those who receive it.
Please continue to stand with us to help the Turkish people return to their ordinary lives.
