Support for the establishment of temporary shelter Areas in the earthquake-stricken Region of Hatay (Türkiye)

The earthquakes in Türkiye in 2023 caused extensive damage across 11 provinces, resulting in the loss of over 50,000 lives and a financial impact of 351 billion Turkish Lira. Among the affected regions, Hatay has experienced the most dramatic destruction. The Hatay Metropolitan Municipality recently assumed governance before the earthquake, facing critical service deficiencies in the aftermath. Indeed, months later, the worst effects of the 2023 earthquake are still observed in Hatay, where millions of people lost their homes, and many still live in tents. With winter approaching, there is an urgent demand for secure housing.

The establishment of “living spaces” to address the immediate shelter requirements of individuals following the earthquake is crucial. The construction of “Temporary Shelter Areas” stands out as a vital post-disaster phase in the affected region. The primary goal is to cater to the needs of those who have lost their homes, workplaces, schools, health facilities, and more, supporting them until they can resume their “everyday” lives. Additionally, there is a concerted effort to set an example by incorporating input from psychologists and sociologists, aiming to provide not just “temporary” living spaces but also fostering a healing environment during this interim period. The target demographic includes individuals who, due to the earthquake, find themselves without homes, workplaces, schools, health facilities, etc., until they can return to their regular routines.

“Support for the Establishment of Temporary Shelter Areas in the Earthquake-Stricken Region of Hatay” emerged in response to the prevailing circumstances. The funding for this project is provided by the Fons Mallorquí de Solidaritat i Cooperació through the Emergency and Humanitarian Aid Project Funding. Under the umbrella of emergency and humanitarian support, the Fons Mallorquí expressed a commitment to aid in the earthquake response in Türkiye, allocating funds to ALDA for the provision of beds in the Hatay area. Thanks to the financial assistance from Fons Mallorquí, ALDA is supplying 264 beds to households residing in temporary shelters in Hatay. This initiative addresses a critical and pressing need, as a significant portion of the affected population lacked suitable or adequately furnished beds, making their living conditions extremely difficult. The project’s objectives are centered around addressing the needs of the region’s inhabitants who have lost their homes, workplaces, schools, health facilities, and more.

The project was initiated in November 2023, and at present, all 264 beds have been successfully provided to the residents of the shelter area, including families, children, elderly people, single women, and people with disabilities. The project’s success is attributed to the remarkable collaborative ties and mutual trust established between Fons Mallorquí and ALDA on one hand, as well as between ALDA and local entities in Türkiye, including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality – one of Hatay municipality’s most important partners in post-earthquake reconstruction, and its field agency Istanbul Planning Agency and construction company Kiptaş (Istanbul Housing, Construction, Plan, Industry and Trade co.), who have all facilitated cooperative efforts for the rapid and effective intervention in the shelters to supply the aid procured by the Fons Mallorquí. This cooperative network has played a pivotal role in the project’s effective implementation.