Hatay: Turkey’s Minister of Environment and Urban Planning, Murat Kurum, announced the completion of 70 percent of a major reconstruction campaign initiated after the February 2023 earthquake, which devastated 11 provinces and resulted in over 53,000 deaths. Homes have been handed over to those affected by the disaster.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Kurum shared details at a press conference in Hatay Province, emphasizing the swift progress of reconstruction efforts in the earthquake-affected areas. He noted that Turkey’s operations are setting a global example due to the unprecedented pace and coordination achieved.

Kurum revealed that the Turkish government has allocated $75 billion for rebuilding efforts in the impacted provinces. The endeavor involves over 200,000 professionals working across approximately 3,500 construction sites. On average, 550 homes are being completed and handed over each day.

The minister highlighted that 70 percent of the planned housing units in the affected regions have been finished, allowing two-thirds of the displaced families to return to their homes. He projected that by November 15, 350,000 homes will be delivered, and all housing units will be completed by year-end, addressing the needs of 453,000 affected individuals.

Kurum also mentioned that the experience gained from the reconstruction phase will aid in future national projects, including the “Housing Project of the Century,” which aims to construct 500,000 homes across all 81 Turkish provinces.

In his address, Kurum acknowledged the international assistance received post-earthquake and expressed Turkey’s willingness to share its reconstruction experience with the global community.

The February 6, 2023, earthquake, followed by another tremor and numerous aftershocks, caused significant destruction in southern Turkey and northern Syria, resulting in 53,537 fatalities and 107,213 injuries in Turkey alone.