Adıyaman: Reconstruction with Resilience

Adıyaman, in southeastern Türkiye, was one of the regions most severely affected by the devastating earthquakes of 2023. Through a resilience-strengthening project, Solidar Suisse supports earthquake survivors with shelter assistance, income promotion, psychosocial support, and capacity building.

Destroyed Infrastructure and Social Structures

On February 6, 2023, the province of Adıyaman in southeastern Türkiye was one of the regions most severely affected by the devastating earthquake. With 8,387 fatalities and 17,499 injuries, the disaster left deep scars on the population and caused massive damage to infrastructure. Thousands of residential buildings were destroyed or severely damaged, leaving many people homeless. Entire neighborhoods lay in ruins, and rural areas were also heavily affected, further complicating relief efforts and reconstruction.

Beyond the physical devastation, the earthquake nearly brought the local economy to a standstill. Small businesses and agricultural enterprises—both vital to the region—were destroyed, leaving many people without a source of income. Women and day laborers, who often lacked stable employment, suddenly found themselves without financial security. Unemployment rose sharply, further worsening an already fragile economic situation.

The psychosocial impact on those affected was equally alarming. The loss of loved ones, the destruction of homes, and the uncertainty about the future led to widespread trauma. Many people suffered from immense emotional distress while also facing the immediate challenges of survival. Children were particularly affected—not only traumatized but also deprived of crucial stability and routine due to the collapse of schools and community centers.

Overall, the earthquake in Adıyaman left behind not only physical destruction but also a region whose social, economic, and psychological structures were deeply shaken. Restoring essential services, housing, infrastructure, and mental well-being is an enormous challenge that requires solidarity and long-term support.

Ongoing repair and renovation work is being carried out on damaged houses. © SARD/Solidar Suisse

Stronger Together After the Earthquake

The Dayaniklilik Project supports earthquake-affected people in Adıyaman with housing repairs, income promotion, psychosocial assistance, and sustainable disaster management.

With the Resilience Project, Solidar Suisse has made it its mission to provide comprehensive support to those affected by the earthquakes in Adıyaman and to strengthen their resilience. Through technical teams and partnerships with SARD and the Zero Discrimination Association, and in close coordination with local communities and authorities, damaged houses are being repaired and winter kits are distributed to people in container settlements to ensure dignified and safe shelter.

To enhance the economic resilience of those affected, the project offers training in financial management, market analysis, and risk management, helping businesses recover and rebuild sources of income. Women, in particular, benefit from vocational training courses that expand their skills and improve their employment opportunities. Additionally, the project promotes mental health support through individual and group-based psychosocial support (PSS). These sessions help people cope with the emotional impact of the earthquake and strengthen stability within individuals, families, and communities.

To create sustainable structures, disaster management in the municipality of Adıyaman is being further developed through training and advisory services. The goal is to develop a comprehensive disaster management plan to ensure an effective response to future disasters.

Impact: Sustainable Strengthening

Families benefit from winter-proof shelters that improve their quality of life, while small business owners and women gain new economic opportunities. Psychosocial support enhances emotional resilience, and collaboration with local institutions strengthens the long-term regional resilience of communities. The active involvement of those affected in decision-making processes is particularly valued, increasing trust and recognition for the project’s work.

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