Difficulties and Solutions Experienced in Adıyaman After the Earthquake
The earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023 deeply affected many provinces in the southeast of Turkey. Among these provinces are Adiyaman, was the region where the biggest destruction occurred after Hatay. The difficulties experienced with the earthquake had a great impact on the mental health of the people. In order to examine the developments and problems experienced in Adıyaman more closely, General Health-Labor Adıyaman Provincial Representative Hasan Aytemir In the meetings held with, it was revealed that the situation in the region is critical.
Destruction and Psychological Effects
Aytemir stated that the number of suicide attempts in hospital emergency applications in Adıyaman has increased. “There is an increasing number of suicides in Adıyaman” His statement revealed the situation. Turkish Medical Association (TTB) ve Health and Social Service Workers Union (SES) According to the report prepared by, 2023 suicide attempts were recorded in Adıyaman between 2024 and 187. This situation shows the extent of psychological trauma in the region and requires urgent intervention.
Problems of Health Workers
Health workers in Adıyaman face many problems such as staff shortages, housing problems and security. Aytemir states that the right to transfer of employees in health institutions affiliated with the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) is not recognized and emphasizes that this situation leads to the end of marriages. The difficulties experienced by health workers show how difficult the region is in terms of health services.
Public Health and Living Conditions
The fact that 70% of the people in Adıyaman live in container cities reveals how difficult the living conditions in the region are. While people try to take precautions with nylon tarpaulins in containers in the rain, the need for psychological support is also increasing. Aytemir, “These people should be given psychological support and permanent housing should be built as soon as possible.” and offers urgent solution suggestions.
Children's Psychological Health
The ongoing destruction in school environments causes serious psychological trauma in children. Aytemir, “Children experience psychological trauma when they see that destruction” He states that this situation also negatively affects the education process. The emphasis that demolitions should be carried out when students are not at school is an important suggestion to protect the mental health of children.
Mental Health is Needed
Turkish Psychiatric Association (TPD) deputy leader Prof. Dr. Ejder Akgun Yildirim, draws attention to mental health problems in the earthquake region. Yıldırım states that people's ongoing grief, lack of justice and housing problems negatively affect mental health. “There is a need for nurseries for children, care centers for the elderly, and support centers for families in earthquake zones.” The statement reveals the urgency of social services in the region.
Risk of Mental Problems Becoming Chronic
Yıldırım emphasizes that the increase in applications for suicide ideation after the earthquake is important data. The fact that people feel helpless and have hopelessness about the future reveals that this situation cannot be perceived as just an illness. “Türkiye, even if it is in its second year, should declare a mobilization and produce projects not only to develop the region concretely but also to make people feel like they can live here.” He points out that long-term solutions are needed.
Disaster Management and Mental Health Strategies
Yıldırım advocates the establishment of a Ministry of Disaster in Turkey and emphasizes the importance of post-disaster mental health action strategy planning. Thus, effective and permanent solutions can be produced for mental health in the post-earthquake period.
The situation in Adıyaman tests not only the difficulties experienced after a disaster, but also the resilience of society. Urgent and effective interventions are needed to overcome the trauma experienced by the people in the region.
