Earthquake Coordination Center in Samandağ, in the province of Hatay, members of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and the Health and Social Service Workers' Union (SES) made a statement about the health problems in the province. Dr. Mehmet Binboğa stated that there are problems with accessing toilets and clean water in Samandag. Bingoğa warned that "dozens of diseases, especially diarrhoea, lice, fleas, fungal diseases and scabies, can reach epidemic proportions. The public health problems that this situation will create will be very serious."

'This is a public health threat'

Binboğa said: "We warn and we want to remind everyone that these needs should be met urgently, because people should be able to meet their basic needs in healthier and dignified conditions. Clean drinking and utility water needs should be met right now and permanent solutions should be found for the regions hit by the earthquake.”