Adiyaman (Semsûr) has been heavily affected by the two earthquakes with epicentre in Maraş, that occurred on 6 February. 80 percent of the city’s buildings collapsed or suffered heavy damage. The survivors of the city have migrated either to the metropolises or to the villages. Speaking to ANF, earthquake survivors demand that their needs be met, and said that even tents have not been provided.

Nedim Dinç: We have all suffered in this earthquake. It rained for two days. If it weren't for the rain, maybe so many people wouldn't have died. For three days we waited by the fire in wet clothes. It was the governor's responsibility.

The governor said there was only one collapsed building and one damaged building. For two days, we rescued people by our own means. I brought a pickaxe and hammer, and pulled out the wounded from the rubble. I also pulled out three dead bodies. No one came to Adiyaman for two days. The city was completely destroyed by the second earthquake.

I took the children to Siverek. I rented a house. I'm here to get my stuff and I will also go there. I will live there. What should we do? Everyone emigrated. Nearly 200 of my relatives died. Adiyaman was destroyed.

Gulê Aydın: We were able to escape. We were scared. We are on the streets. We are in tents, in front of the fire. We have nothing. Everyone needs food, a tent. Our houses were destroyed.

No tents yet

Gaffure Aydın: We are victims. We're lying around, sleeping in the car. They are bringing some aid, food supplies, blankets, etc. but it’s not enough. How can we live without a house? We are on the streets with children, we are sick. We ask the government to find us houses. Tents have not arrived yet. Many people have died, but at least those who survived should be able to continue to live. No aid came to Adiyaman for the first three days. If it had, so many people wouldn't have died.

The state doesn’t go to the villages

Murat Bayır: There are many ruined houses in the village. We need tents, wood, coal, dry food, diapers. Everyone is a victim right now. State officials may go to the city center, but they never visit the village. We have nothing left. There are 28 dead in our village. Since the people in the city moved to the village, the problem was even bigger. There are 11 people staying in a tent.