Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for post-disaster houses in Adıyaman, President Erdoğan said: “Search and rescue efforts, which were our priority in the first days, have gradually been replaced by debris removal activities. Now, we are establishing temporary housing areas while also starting the construction of permanent houses.”

Noting that the pain of the over 50 thousand people who died in the February 6 earthquakes, the disaster of the century, are still fresh, Erdoğan stressed that the earthquake disaster was followed by the flood disaster in some provinces including Adıyaman. “I once again wish Allah’s mercy upon all the lives we lost in the earthquake and flood disasters, and offer my condolences and wish patience to their relatives. The memory of our beloved ones, who were suddenly pulled away from our lives, will live forever in our hearts. We have working day and night in order to heal the wounds the earthquakes caused in the hearts of millions of people. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Adil Karaismailoğlu has been coordinating the works here since day one.”

Drawing attention to the efforts exerted by NGOs as well as by state institutions including AFAD and security forces to deal with the impacts of the earthquakes, Erdoğan stated: “Search and rescue efforts, which were our priority in the first days, have gradually been replaced by debris removal activities. Now, we are establishing temporary housing areas while also starting the construction of permanent houses.” (ILKHA)