Disaster Relief and Long-Term Rebuilding Efforts Underway in Türkiye

Apr 20, 2023
3 MIN READ
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It’s difficult for many of us to imagine the fear, loss, and devastation experienced in Türkiye and Syria following the recent earthquakes and aftershocks that continue to threaten the region.   

Özgür Yücetürk, business leader at Ford Otosan, knows what it means to live through it.  

“The earthquakes directly impacted nearly 14 million people in 11 provinces.  This equates to nearly one out of every six people in Türkiye,” he said.  “When we look at the area affected by the earthquakes, it’s larger than many European countries and has a higher population density.”

Ford Otosan has been mobilizing all resources at hand.

“We’ve been sending relief supplies, including food, clothing, blankets, tents and heaters, which were prepared with the help of Ford Fund, Ford Otosan employees and our Ford truck dealers in Türkiye,” he said.  “We sent our 4x4 vehicles to reach remote areas with difficult road conditions to deliver aid and operational support, and we will continue to do so.” 

Ford dealers also stepped in to help, opening their doors to the homeless. 

“Immediately after the earthquakes, our dealer showrooms were turned into shelters, and they welcomed the community, providing food and a place to sleep.  We don’t know the exact number yet, but it is expected to be more than 2,000 people aided by Ford Otosan dealerships,” said Yücetürk.  “With support from the Ford Fund, we donated more than 100 tents.”

Yücetürk has been doing double duty with many Ford colleagues and dealers, keeping the business running while also volunteering to help in the community. 

“After the twin earthquakes, many volunteers stepped up to provide aid and support to affected communities.  Managing aid activities while continuing with their regular job duties can be a challenging task,” he said.  “It requires a high level of commitment, time management, and coordination skills to balance both responsibilities effectively.” 

Yücetürk said many volunteers took time from work or rearranged their schedules to accommodate their volunteer activities.

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“One way that they’re managing their time is by coordinating with their employers,” he said.  “Volunteers are also collaborating to maximize their impact.  They are coordinating their efforts through social media and messaging apps, sharing information about where help is needed and what supplies are needed most,” he said. 

The damage is extensive, said Yücetürk.

“Unfortunately, almost 300,000 buildings in the earthquake zone either collapsed or were severely damaged.  Millions of people have been left homeless, and numerous quake survivors – over two million – have migrated to other provinces,” he said.  “We are facing one of the biggest in-migration waves in the history of Türkiye.”

To make matters worse, torrential rain in the middle of March flooded already-damaged areas in two Türkiye provinces, killing 18 people. 

“Many tent cities were evacuated in the rain-stricken provinces,” said Yücetürk.  “People are still attempting to live their lives in such difficult circumstances.”

There is still an ongoing need for essential supplies. 

“Unfortunately, the earthquake region’s need for priority materials persists. According to the authorities, water, weekly food, breakfast boxes, pillows, personal hygiene products, cleaning materials as well as clothing and summer shoes are among the items needed,” he said. 

Yücetürk said a long and difficult struggle is ahead. 

“The toughest part of the recovery period has yet to begin,” he said. “Rebuilding infrastructure in earthquake-affected areas and providing home shelter to all affected people will be critical long-term priorities.” 

Ford Otosan is working intensively with shareholders Koç Group and Ford Motor Company to plan long-term support for the rebuilding phase. 

“We will require your support greatly when the region’s recovery process begins,” said Yücetürk, addressing Ford colleagues across the globe.  “Until that day when we roll up our sleeves together again, your solidarity and good wishes are enough to give us strength.  We would like to thank you once again for your heartfelt support.” 

The Ford Fund continues to provide an opportunity for Ford colleagues to help those in need through the GlobalGiving Disaster and Crisis Relief fund. Since it was launched, 1000 employees have donated and raised almost $100,000 for those impacted by the earthquake.  Ford Fund matched these donations with an additional $100,000. Also, with Ford Fund support, a total of 230 tents were donated to Türkiye’s Disaster Management Authority (AFAD).