According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Turkey Do Son Hai, reconstruction after the historic earthquake in Turkey will face numerous difficulties and challenges. But with the Turkish government’s vision and commitment, the people’s determination and the international community’s assistance, the effort will be definitely successful.
Nhan Dan’s reporter had a conversation with Ambassador Do Son Hai on the topic.
A warning to all humanity
Q: What is your assessment of the historic earthquake in Turkey in early February?
A: In the past, Turkey used to be hit by many large earthquakes, such as the disasters in 1923, 1939 and recently the earthquake in 2022 that struck Istanbul and Ankara. Those earthquakes caused significant losses and killed many people.
But the twin earthquakes on February 6 were a once-in-a-century calamity. According to statistics by European experts, the losses after three weeks could account for 15% of Turkey’s GDP, not to mention the cultural-historical losses as well as the loss of life, which cannot be measured in money.
In terms of tectonics, the earthquake still continues to this day. On February 27, Turkey’s disaster management agency AFAD stated that a 5.6-magnitude tremor knocked down several buildings already damaged following the early February quake, killing one and injuring another 69. This is a very worrying issue.
I think this earthquake is a warning to all humanity that future natural disasters could be much more devastating.
Devastation in Hatay in the aftermath of the historic earthquake. (Photo: Thanh Dat)
Devastation in Hatay in the aftermath of the historic earthquake. (Photo: Thanh Dat)
A Vietnamese officer gives essential items to Turkish people affected by earthquake. (Photo: Thanh Dat)
A Vietnamese officer gives essential items to Turkish people affected by earthquake. (Photo: Thanh Dat)
Vietnamese and international rescue workers search for victims in the ruins. (Photo courtesy of Ministry of Public Security)
Vietnamese and international rescue workers search for victims in the ruins. (Photo courtesy of Ministry of Public Security)
Rescue forces from the Ministry of Public Security, along with the international rescue forces, search for victims trapped under the rubble. (Photo courtesy of Ministry of Public Security)
Rescue forces from the Ministry of Public Security, along with the international rescue forces, search for victims trapped under the rubble. (Photo courtesy of Ministry of Public Security)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with Major General Pham Van Ty, giving sincere thanks to Vietnam's rescue forces. (Photo courtesy of rescue forces from the Ministry of Defence)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with Major General Pham Van Ty, giving sincere thanks to Vietnam's rescue forces. (Photo courtesy of rescue forces from the Ministry of Defence)
Following ten days on duty in Turkey, the rescue team from the Vietnam People’s Army left a beautiful image of a country with humanity, kindness, and enthusiasm for international friends. (Photo: Thanh Dat)
Following ten days on duty in Turkey, the rescue team from the Vietnam People’s Army left a beautiful image of a country with humanity, kindness, and enthusiasm for international friends. (Photo: Thanh Dat)
“We all know Vietnam”
Q: Facing this historic earthquake disaster, what were the specific activities conducted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Turkey?
A: On the morning of February 6, two continuous earthquakes with great intensity shook the entire south-eastern region of Turkey (stretching through 11 provinces). In the face of the very serious consequences of the earthquakes to the people in Turkish provinces, in the spirit of solidarity, the Vietnamese Embassy in Turkey has mobilised its officials and staff to donate at least one day of salary to the victims of the earthquakes, as well as essential items, blankets and warm clothes.
In addition, we have organised emergency meetings, connected with Turkish authorities and the Vietnamese community in the country to grasp the information.
According to the data we know, there are seven Vietnamese brides’ families living and working in the earthquake-hit area. Fortunately, no Vietnamese were reported dead in the disaster. However, the homes of seven Vietnamese brides were damaged, causing them to live in the tents, some people were even made homeless. Immediately after grasping the information, the Vietnamese Embassy in Turkey conducted the activities to share, help and encourage people in many different forms.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Turkey also conducted another mission of welcoming and supporting two rescue delegations from the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Defence of Vietnam during their performance of international missions in Turkey. This is a historical and unprecedented working trip of Vietnam when the rescue teams were sent to work in a completely strange country for the first time. The Vietnamese Embassy in Turkey has followed the activities of the two teams to give assistance when necessary.
Q: How have the Turkish Government and people given their affection as well as appreciated and recognised the efforts made by two Vietnamese rescue teams?
A: The fact that Vietnam sent two rescue teams to help Turkey in difficult circumstances has been highly appreciated. When the delegation entered the cities for their operations, security control was very tight, no different from the COVID-19 period. But when our team arrived, we only said “Vietnam” and they immediately opened the way. When I asked why, they replied: We all know and appreciate the Vietnamese delegation.
During the time at the scene, I always remember the image of the hospitable Turkish people. On the night of February 10, when the rescue team of the Ministry of Public Security brought a baby out alive, the people of Turkey came and asked: Do you need anything? I replied: We don’t need anything. But after a while, they still brought bread and water to each person even in the context of this extreme difficulty and crisis. All members of the team were deeply moved.
Similarly, when the plane carrying the rescue team from the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence landed, the Turkish people stood in a horizontal line. All of them folded their hands and bowed as a very emotional thank you, even though we had not yet worked in reality.
Ambassador Do Son Hai talks about the recognition from Turkey towards the two Vietnamese rescue teams.
Ambassador Do Son Hai talks about the recognition from Turkey towards the two Vietnamese rescue teams.
Turkey ready to rebuild
Q: Could you please share more about the common spirit of people in areas affected by earthquake disaster at the moment?
A: I think that in order to accurately assess the spirit of the Turkish people, it is necessary to divide it into three different stages. In the first stage, they had to suffer a lot of pain and loss. There are some 10-member families in Adiyaman with only one survivor. The tremors have continued. Therefore, at this stage, the general psychology of most people was very afraid.
After the first few days, the Turkish people regained their spirits very quickly. They began to get used to and accept very quickly life in the tents. In the places we passed, the locals willingly shared each loaf of bread and bottle of water. We did not hear any stories of looting or theft. The will of the people is also growing. Although they have suffered many losses, gradually they have calmed down and now have the will to rise.
In the current period, like the Vietnamese people in the face of natural disasters, the Turks are determined to rebuild. Now, they will have to face reality and gradually rearrange their lives. Maybe, they are still in makeshift tents, but the furniture inside is very neat. They are willing to stay there for 1 month, 2 months or even 1 year.
I do not encounter pessimism or whining in the people I meet. They are ready to move forward and believe in the future.
This is also very clearly shown in the commitment of the Turkish Government when it announced that it will rebuild and restore disaster areas within 1 year. I think that, in order to make this commitment, the Turkish Government has relied on the trust of both sides: the people and the government. Therefore, I think, after 1 year, they will reach at least 80-90% of their goals.
Ambassador Do Son Hai expresses his feelings about the spirit of the Turkish people during the disaster.
Ambassador Do Son Hai expresses his feelings about the spirit of the Turkish people during the disaster.
Q: Where do you think reconstruction in Turkey will begin?
A: Through the days of being at the scene, plus reading documents and meeting with Turkish authorities, we believe that Turkey’s reconstruction process is taking place with a very long-term vision. They clearly determined that the reconstruction process will begin in Adiyaman, one of the hardest hit provinces, where not only millions of people live but where also can be found many important historical-cultural sites. The starting point should be clearly defined because the reconstruction process needs to happen sequentially as resources are not available.
The reconstruction process also needs to be based on infrastructure. This is the factor that will make the process in Turkey different. Since the disaster, their roads and electricity and water systems have been almost uninterrupted. Any damaged areas have been repaired immediately. That is a solid foundation for the reconstruction process to be carried out quickly and efficiently.
In addition, the reconstruction strategy in Turkey is based on both faith and determination. Although this is a qualitative factor, it is very important.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made two trips to Hatay, a locality that has been heavily affected by the earthquake. Here, he did not make just encouraging and vain commitments, but he affirmed that the reconstruction process must start with the people themselves. The state will always stand by them to provide support, but it is the people who directly implement the process.
However, it should also be added that the reconstruction process will not be easy, because this was the biggest earthquake in the past century, causing tremendous losses in both people and property. Therefore, the reconstruction process will require a huge resource.
Currently, the international community has joined hands with Turkey and Syria, to help these two countries overcome the consequences of the disaster. I think this is a very new perception of humanity, because such large-scale involvement has never happened before. In the face of natural disasters, the whole human race needs to shoulder responsibility. I believe that, thanks to these important resources, Turkey will quickly stand up.
In addition, the area in need of reconstruction is very large. I had the opportunity to go from the operation area of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security’s rescue team in Adiyaman to Hatay, where the search and rescue team of the Ministry of Defence operated. These two locations are 500km apart. The total length of the crack that occurred in the earth's crust after the devastating earthquake is also up to 700km long. Therefore, the reconstruction process will require a lot of time, effort, determination, and even support from nature.
We need to look at both sides. Subjectively, we believe the process will be successful. But on the objective side, many difficulties are still ahead.
Notably, the 2023 Turkish general election will take place on May 14. How the new government will continue the reconstruction process remains a big question. But anyway, I hope, with bravery and the attitude to keep looking forward, Turkey will overcome difficulties and bring the reconstruction process to success.
Q: Thank you so much for the interview!
Published: March 2023
Content: SON BACH - THANH DAT - HONG QUAN -TUNG LAM (From Turkey)
Design: HAI BINH- HUNG HIEU
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