After the earthquake, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) teams, who arrived at the region shortly after, set up 320 tents. Initially, tents were set up for the earthquake survivors, and later on, containers were sent to the region. Those whose homes suffered heavy damage were gradually moved from tents to containers starting last week. Rifat Genç, the AFAD Provincial Director, reminded that a severe earthquake occurred on April 18th at 18:11 local time, centered in Sulusaray and heavily affecting the Kadışehri district of Yozgat.
Genç stated that they identified 97 buildings and 4 mosques with damage during the post-earthquake assessments. He mentioned, “Work was done in the region to alleviate the fears of the citizens regarding the damaged houses. At the same time, quick aid was provided to the citizens. On the same day, we set up tents for those who were left outside. 1100 AFAD tents were sent to the region, and we quickly allocated the needed 320 tents to the citizens who were afraid to stay in their damaged homes.” Genç also noted that they distributed 1515 blankets on the night of the earthquake and provided three warm meals, ensuring that the local residents felt supported.
Regarding the ongoing efforts, Genç mentioned, “As the state, we were always present in the region. We never hesitated to provide information. The damage assessment work started quickly. At this moment, we are sending containers to our district to ensure a more comfortable temporary stay for the citizens in the tents. 40 containers have arrived, and we are distributing them rapidly to the citizens, connecting them to electricity and water.” He emphasized that the containers were especially provided to the residents living in villages with heavily damaged houses.
Nuriye Balta, who settled in a container in Yelten village, expressed gratitude towards the state for providing better living conditions and comfort with the containers after the earthquake caused significant damage to their homes. Similarly, Müslim Aksoy from Yukarıkızılöz village praised the efforts of AFAD for swiftly providing tents, setting them up, and later substituting them with containers, ensuring access to utilities. Both Balta and Aksoy highlighted that the containers are a significant improvement in terms of living standards compared to the tents.
Residents mentioned that the containers, equipped with two rooms, a bathroom, toilet, and kitchen along with a heater, provided a more suitable living environment than the tents. Hatice Aksoy noted that cooking and washing dishes were challenging in the tents, whereas they felt more comfortable and at ease in the containers. Overall, the residents expressed gratitude for the support and efforts of the state in swiftly responding to their needs and ensuring improved living conditions post-earthquake.
