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TURKEY EARTHQUAKE: CRITICISM FOR AID DISTRIBUTION, POOR CONSTRUCTION AMID TREMORS
epress.am
10.26.2011
A 5.7-magnitude earthquake hit Van yesterday evening followed by
tremors throughout the night. According to international seismic
services, there were around 100 tremors, the majority of which were
of magnitudes of 3.5 up to 4.7.
Yesterday's earthquake was also felt in Armenia, particularly in
Yerevan.
As reported by the Turkish press, the new earthquake only served to
increase the tension in Van. Though the the Turkish Red Crescent said
thousands of tents, blankets and heaters had been sent to Van, many
victims have been left to fend for themselves due to problems with the
methods of distribution of the aid, reports the Hurriyet Daily News.
The government admitted yesterday that it had been caught off guard
by the high demand for tents.
"I cannot go back to my village empty handed, the villagers will lynch
me," the head of Karaagac village, located 39 kilometers from Van's
city center, told the Hurriyet Daily News yesterday, adding that many
buildings in his village collapsed or were seriously damaged and the
need for tents and food was urgent.
Added to the complaints against efforts to distribute aid was criticism
for poorly implemented construction regulations.
Construction sector representatives lashed out at the government
for failing to properly implement rules and regulations for
construction projects, saying building companies deserve a share of
the responsibility for the tragedy for trying to save money by cutting
costs and not ensuring their buildings were earthquake resistant.
Note, Turkey's emergency situations agency on Tuesday evening announced
that the number of casualties from the first earthquake that struck
the region on Sunday was 459 so far.
epress.am
10.26.2011
A 5.7-magnitude earthquake hit Van yesterday evening followed by
tremors throughout the night. According to international seismic
services, there were around 100 tremors, the majority of which were
of magnitudes of 3.5 up to 4.7.
Yesterday's earthquake was also felt in Armenia, particularly in
Yerevan.
As reported by the Turkish press, the new earthquake only served to
increase the tension in Van. Though the the Turkish Red Crescent said
thousands of tents, blankets and heaters had been sent to Van, many
victims have been left to fend for themselves due to problems with the
methods of distribution of the aid, reports the Hurriyet Daily News.
The government admitted yesterday that it had been caught off guard
by the high demand for tents.
"I cannot go back to my village empty handed, the villagers will lynch
me," the head of Karaagac village, located 39 kilometers from Van's
city center, told the Hurriyet Daily News yesterday, adding that many
buildings in his village collapsed or were seriously damaged and the
need for tents and food was urgent.
Added to the complaints against efforts to distribute aid was criticism
for poorly implemented construction regulations.
Construction sector representatives lashed out at the government
for failing to properly implement rules and regulations for
construction projects, saying building companies deserve a share of
the responsibility for the tragedy for trying to save money by cutting
costs and not ensuring their buildings were earthquake resistant.
Note, Turkey's emergency situations agency on Tuesday evening announced
that the number of casualties from the first earthquake that struck
the region on Sunday was 459 so far.