Elcin’s story, Turkey: “I miss my children’s voices”

18 months ago, the lives of Elcin and millions of other people in Turkey and Syria were shattered by a devastating earthquake. The disaster caused around 60,000 deaths; hundreds of thousands were injured, and millions lost their health, their homes, their livelihoods.

When the earthquake hit, CARE was on the ground to make sure women were listened to and supported, providing; drinking water, food, hygiene kits, kitchen utensils, latrines and other essential items.

The needs in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake are immense, but the impact continues to be felt long after the last cameras have gone. CARE stays with communities for however long it takes, supporting women like Elcin to feel safe, to build a life and to shape a better future for themselves and their communities.

"We've gotten used to living in a container"

Image: CARE Türkiye

Elcin lives in the province of Hatay in the south of Türkiye, which was hit particularly hard. Numerous buildings and homes were destroyed. Reconstruction work has been ongoing for a year and a half. The city has become a gigantic building site. Rubble, construction vehicles, and cranes are everywhere.

We spoke with Elcin last year, 6 months after the earthquake. She was living in a 7 by 2 metre container in her neighbourhood with her father. It's hard to believe that one year on, this is still her temporary home. It's the same for many other residents who stayed or returned after the earthquakes.

Apart from the construction noise, the city is silent. Only a few children are out playing. The searing heat keeps most people inside their containers. The street where the family used to live no longer exists. Their home lies in ruins. Nevertheless, Elcin walks past it every day.

"Even though it is destroyed and there is rubble everywhere, there is still the smell of loved ones here."

Image: CARE Türkiye

The loss and the memories of them are a part of Elcin's everyday life. She has a tattoo on her forearm in memory of her son and daughter, who died in the earthquake. "I miss my children's voices, my mother's voice. I miss touching their faces and playing with them. I miss everything about them."

"I want to be hope for them"

The silence is interrupted by the meowing of two kittens that Elcin has taken in. Looking after them and taking responsibility is like therapy for Elcin. "From the outside, I look very good, I look very strong, but inside, I am fighting with myself. It´s good to take care of animals. When they run to us, when they hear our voice, and when they expect something from us, this is how we are surviving."

Image: CARE Türkiye

The psychological impact of the earthquake is stark. Many people who have had traumatic experiences or lost loved ones are struggling with psychological issues. Elcin knows that. She has experienced it herself. But she doesn't give up. When she meets her children's friends, they hug each other. "I want to be hope for them," she says.

Hygiene products and food most needed

Despite the ongoing rebuilding work, the effects of the earthquake are still noticeable in the region. The infrastructure is damaged, and there are interruptions in water supply. Many people in the area have lost their livelihoods.

After she was no longer paid in her old position at a local newspaper office, Elcin found a new job. Even so, it is still a major challenge for her and many other people in the city to access basic living needs.

"Our primary needs are hygiene and food because now it is harder to access these," says Elcin. She calls not to forget the people of Hatay and emphasises:

CARE is there for however long it takes

Image: Özge Sebzeci / CARE

CARE works in over 100 countries and has changed millions of lives. When disaster strikes we ask local women like Elcin what's needed to support their communities, and we work with them to deliver it. From food to housing to healthcare. Not just for a day, but for as long as it takes.