Turkey issued reconstruction regulations on Friday for a region ravaged by earthquakes this month to allow businesses or charities to help with the urgent task of building new homes for the millions in need of resettlement after the devastating quakes.
More than 160,000 buildings, containing 520,000 apartments, collapsed or were severely damaged in Turkey in earthquakes.
The death toll from the earthquakes in Turkey now stands at over 43,500 people, while the toll in neighboring Syria, an already war-torn nation, is close to 6,000.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to rebuild the houses within a year, although experts said authorities should put safety before speed. Some buildings that were supposed to withstand tremors have collapsed in recent earthquakes.
Many survivors left the area of southern Turkey that was hit or were accommodated in tents, container houses and other government-sponsored accommodation.
Under the new regulation, individuals, institutions and organizations will be able to build residences and workplaces that they can donate to the Ministry of Urbanization and these properties will later be handed over to those in need, according to a presidential decree published in Diário da República.
Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag told the CNN that 171 people were arrested and another 77 were detained as part of an investigation into collapsed buildings in the earthquake area related to violations of building codes.
“All those involved will be held accountable before the courts. Everyone will be punished according to their responsibility,” Bozdag said.
He said legal changes may be needed for crimes related to building permits and said authorities should discuss tougher punishments and deterrents for violating zoning rules, which govern where and how buildings can be built more safely.
In Antakya, Saeed Sleiman Ertoglu, 56, carried what was left of his stock from his hookah shop that was undamaged by the two big earthquakes on Feb. 6, followed by another strong earthquake two weeks later.
“The glassware was very beautiful, more than usual, but then we had this (earthquake) and everything was ruined,” he said, after his home and shop survived the first tremors, but not the next one. He estimated that 5% of his merchandise survived.
“What can we do? This is an act of God, and God’s will always brings gifts,” he said.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
