Survivors of 2020 İzmir quake evicted from container camp for new quake victims

Cihan Başakcıoğlu / DUVAR

The 2020 İzmir earthquake victims living in the Temporary Accommodation Center in the Aegean province's Bayraklı district are being evicted as of March 14. 

In the notification sent to the citizens staying in the container camp, the authorities stated that the Feb. 6 earthquake victims who came to İzmir will be housed there which was established with the cooperation of İzmir Governor's Office and Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).

While the eviction process started early in the morning, a large number of riot police teams were dispatched to the gate of the Temporary Accommodation Center. Evacuated citizens continue to wait helplessly at the gate of the camp, stating that they will set up tents in an area near the container camp.

One of the citizens living in the camp emphasized that they were thrown out on the streets and said, "We received a letter a week ago and were asked to evacuate. Today they threw us on the street with riot police. They took our belongings to the AFAD's warehouse. Our belongings are also ruined.” 

Another citizen said that some of the residents demanded one day extension and their demand was declined. One stated that they demanded to be accomodated in a house and pay rent but it was also declined.

After the Feb. 6 earthquakes, millions had flee the southeast region due to major destruction of the cities. Some of them were placed in tent camps in the nearby cities and some had to be placed around the country. About 230,000 buildings were identified as severely damaged or collapsed in 11 provinces due to the Feb. 6 quakes.

A 6.6 magnitude earthquake, which the Istanbul-based Kandilli Institute said had a magnitude of 6.9, hit İzmir on Oct. 30, 2020, killing at least 119 people and injuring 1,053.

(English version by Can Bodrumlu)