Access to clean drinking water is one of the main concerns for residents of temporary housing in the Turkish city of Hatay, which was hit hardest by the earthquakes on February 6, 2023.
It should be noted that during the natural disaster, water supply networks were severely damaged and interruptions are observed in most areas.
Water used for some needs, for showers, toilets and domestic needs, is delivered by tanker trucks from nearby areas, and the Turkish Emergency and Disaster Management Authority (AFAD) distributes drinking water in plastic bottles.
Earthquake survivors said that when there is a problem with running water, volunteers bring drinking water, but are unable to get supplies when they want.
In addition, they reported that because they cannot take a shower due to a water supply failure, they must go to their relatives’ or friends’ damaged house once a week, although it is dangerous due to the continuing tremors.
The publication noted that despite complaints from residents of temporary housing in Khatai, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said the survivors do not experience a lack of clean drinking water. According to him, drinking water is provided by AFAD to people.
The Khatai governor’s office also said there were no water problems or water shortages in the city, adding that the pipe problem had been fixed.
“There are no problems with the use of tap water for hygienic purposes. Drinking water should only be bottled water, which is constantly supplied by AFAD. We have enough water supplies.”the city government said in a statement.
Also read: Residents of tent cities in Turkey faced unsanitary conditions
Also read: The Director-General of the WHO visits the provinces of Turkey affected by the earthquake
Source: Rossa Primavera
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.