Late response to the quake on the political agenda
TWO STRONG earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaras jolted 10 provinces. It’s discussed both in the politics and the public why the initial response to the region was late and the aid couldn’t be delivered on time, although the first 24 hours are vital. As a reason for the delay on the first day of the earthquake, AK Party deputies attributed adverse weather conditions and the fact that the earthquakes were in a large area covering 10 provinces. It is also stated that damages on the roads and bridges and the difficulties in the movement of heavy equipment caused by wrecks in city centers created problems in reaching people under the rubble. The ministerial level incompetencies are being investigated while the lack of coordination is admitted.
“IF THE TASK ORDER WAS GIVEN TO SOLDIERS”
Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deputy Group Chairman Engin Ozkoc said tens of lives would be saved if the task order was given to our soldiers and gendarmerie on time. Scientists made many statements, and the government should develop a strategic mind in such geography, according to IYI Party Group Deputy Chairman Musavat Dervisoglu. “The government should have a plan and strategy for such incidents. But it seems that this planning and strategic mind haven’t been fulfilled adequately. We can’t look at this as fate. You should have taken measures if you live in such geography,” he added.
PARLIAMENT CONVENED WITH THE STATE OF EMERGENCY AGENDA
The Parliament voted for the Presidential decree for the declaration of a three-month state of emergency in 10 provinces hit by quakes. A moment of silence was kept for AK Party Adiyaman Deputy Yakup Tas and all citizens who lost their lives in earthquakes at the general assembly, which convened under the presidency of Parliamentary Speaker Mustafa Sentop. Tas’ photograph, which was graced with a red carnation, was put on the desks of the AK Party. Deputies came to the general assembly hall with cockades with the expression of “Condolences to our nation”.
SENTOP CALLED FOR A DONATION
Parliamentary Speaker Mustafa Sentop called on each deputy to support earthquake victims by donating at least one-month salary to the aid campaign of the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD). Sentop said he had donated a three-month salary to AFAD. “IYI Party Parliamentary Group and our deputies decided to initially donate their one-monthly salaries that will be used for the needs of our citizens affected by quakes. Each of our citizens and children is a national responsibility and duty for us,” IYI Party Spokesperson Kursad Zorlu said on his social media account.