After two major earthquakes in Maraş, the situation in Adiyaman province is gradually getting worse. HDP deputy Necdet İpekyüz, a member of the HDP aid teams, told ANF that the city has been destroyed completely, insisting that survivors desperately need more tents.

İpekyüz said: “The problems in Adıyaman are increasing. First of all, there is still no organization and coordination. People are trying to meet their daily needs in great confusion. Because there are no officials who could take care of the problems. Mostly, voluntary initiatives are helping people. They seek shelter despairingly. The death toll is already too high in Adıyaman. It's now a miracle to pull a survivor out of the rubble. People are looking for equipment to bury their dead relatives.

The city has collapsed. It turns into a ghost city at night because there is no electricity. Under freezing temperatures, people seek shelter in their cars. Heating is a huge problem as there is no electricity or natural gas. No hot meal.”

'TENTS, HEATING AND PORTABLE TOILET-BATH NEEDED'

İpekyüz called for more tents to be delivered to Adıyaman, as she underlined the inefficiency of state-appointed municipalities.

“We see once again how state-appointed municipalities have failed to provide public services. HDP's municipalities in Silopi and Çınar, where no trustees have been appointed, opened two kitchens. They provide services to the public in an organized manner.

I would like to make an announcement through your news agency regarding the aid received: It is better not to send second-hand clothes anymore. The issue of bread should only be dealt with by crisis centres. No need to send drinking water. We shouldn't send help without coordination. Central coordination should be contacted. The most urgently needed stuff: preparation of tents, containers and parcels in a proper manner. Also, cleaning supplies and food. In addition, it is necessary to urgently send detergent, soap, and women's hygiene products. The biggest problem, I repeat, is that we need more tents. We also need stoves. And of course, another biggest problem is mobile toilets and bathrooms.”

'EPIDEMICS MAY ERUPT'

“People are still dealing with the debris and damaged buildings. There are threats to the health of those who were affected by the earthquakes and who were rescued from the debris. It is necessary to think about those with chronic diseases, pregnant women and children. Moreover, it is necessary to help people who can get sick because of the freezing weather, the disabled, the elderly, the homeless and those who are left alone.

Since the debris is not removed, shelters are not built, and hygiene is not provided, the city is now turning into a dumping ground. The wreckage should be removed, and streets be cleaned with outside support because the local government has collapsed. If these are not removed, epidemics may erupt.

Despite all this, the only thing that keeps people surviving is the culture of solidarity. There is significant support from Batman, Hakkari, Van and Doğubeyazıt provinces. However, it is very important that they are organized well.”