We recently had the opportunity to conduct interviews with two individuals who experienced the recent earthquake in Turkey. The first interviewee found themselves trapped under the rubble for several hours, and tragically lost both of their parents who were in the same building. The second interviewee's home sustained significant damage and they are unsure if they will be able to continue living there. On top of that, they also lost their uncle and aunt in the earthquake. The stories of these two individuals offer a powerful perspective on the human impact of natural disasters, and remind us of the importance of earthquake preparedness and response efforts.

Q: Can you describe the experience of the earthquake? What did you feel and hear?

First interviewee: During the earthquake, our house collapsed and I woke up with a loud noise, I tried to reach my family under the rubble in an indescribable desperation and waited to be rescued

Second interviewee: I felt a great fear. I wasn’t sleeping when it happened, I looked for a place to hide directly. My sister was sleeping, I woke her up and I covered her in the fetal position, but it took a long time. I was sure that we were going to die. My mother and father, with the panic and fear at that moment, ran straight to the corridor and there was a popping sound from that side, I thought they were dead, I called but I couldn’t hear them because the rain and humming sounds were too loud. I couldn't go to their place because the earthquake didn't stop, and I thought I lost them. I have never experienced such a strong and long earthquake before. In short, there was panic, fear, desperation, and I thought that none of us could get out of here.

Q: Did you suffer any physical or emotional injuries during the earthquake? How are you coping with them?

First interviewee: There is a great emotional destruction, and I cannot cope with it for now.

Second interviewee: I did not have any physical problems, but emotionally I was very shaken. The city where I was born and grew up is gone. The people I loved died. It is very difficult to cope with and I am still experiencing its effects, but life goes on. The idea of fulfilling my responsibilities fully so that no one will experience such a thing again for the remaining people is the biggest factor for me to cope.

Q: Were you able to evacuate or find shelter during the earthquake? What challenges did you face?

First interviewee: We took shelter in the car during the earthquake and could not find water or fuel.

Second interviewee: We spent the first 30 hours in the car, and then we took shelter in my grandmother's house. The weather was very, very cold. At the time of the earthquake, we could not take anything with us because of fear.

Q: What was your prior needs after the earthquake?

First interviewee: I can say that water, food and powerbank were top priority needs.

Second interviewee: There was no food or water. Since the aid did not come for the first 2-3 days, we were fed with the products we could find. Hygiene was the biggest problem; it was very difficult to find water and hygiene products. We experienced hygiene difficulties such as not being able to take a shower, brushing teeth, not even washing hands. Since there was no electricity, we could not communicate with the outside world, especially due to the charging problems of the phones. We were worried about the people we could not hear from, and we could not convey our needs. In addition, heating was one of the serious problems since there was no natural gas and electricity.

Q: Have you received any psychological or emotional support following the earthquake? If so, what kind of support have you received?

First interviewee: There are people willing to help me with my future and my career. Also, they are of course psychologically supporting me but we have not gotten any professional help yet.

Second interviewee: I had 2 meetings with a psychologist directed by my school.

Q: What kind of precautions would you take for the earthquake if you were able to go to past or what steps are you taking to prepare for future earthquakes?

First interviewee: I would not live in a country that is prone to earthquakes. I am planning to live in a city or country in which there is a lower risk of an earthquake

Second interviewee: First, I would have my house, where I live, checked by a specialist and take the necessary precautions according to his ideas. I would learn more detailed information about the triangle of life.I would prepare an earthquake bag for it and put it right next to my bed or in our car.

Q: What kind of support do you still need in order to recover from the earthquake?

First interviewee: I think we need psychological support, but I am not sure it is going to help.

Second interviewee: I think psychological support is one of my biggest needs. For us, life has come to a standstill since the earthquake. We need the realization that life goes on and the hope that things can get better again, even if they are not the same as before. Yes, it will be difficult, but we need to get involved in social life, return to our responsibilities, schools and jobs that will make us forget the earthquake even a little bit.

Q: What is the best way for people to help people affected by earthquake according to you?

First interviewee: Not to give consolation and not to say that it is going to be okay. Sometimes just being there to share your pain is enough

Second interviewee: Showing that they are with me. Knowing that there is someone I can trust when I seek financial or moral support really helps. But they should do it without hurting people they should not say that It could be worse

Q: How do you feel about the government's response to the earthquake?

First interviewee: I feel left alone

Second interviewee: It is a complete shame. People's families, loved ones, cities have disappeared. We beg our state, to which we have paid earthquake tax for years, to meet our basic needs for living and shelter. We waited for days for the rescue teams. We were desperate. Yes, it was a great natural disaster, the state failed to execute the process correctly. First, the government had to mobilize all its resources and be much better prepared for such a disaster. Because it was already known that the place, we live in is an earthquake zone.

Q: Is there anything you would like people to know about your experience or the impact of earthquakes in general?

First interviewee: I just suggest them enjoying their life while they can and building proper and earthquake resistant buildings.

Second interviewee: Earthquake is not an event that can be prevented, but we must learn to live with it and take measures against it. Houses should be made stronger. And no matter what, you should not move during the earthquake, you should sleep with the phone next to you.