Istanbul on suitcases: a new powerful earthquake is expected in Turkey

On Thursday, a 3.9-magnitude earthquake hit the Sea of ​​Marmara, which means that the elements came close to Istanbul. This is what many seismologists predicted in the wake of the terrible destructive tremors in the Turkish province of Hatay. Today in Turkey they are talking about the “threat of disruption of the high tourist season.”

We asked about the mood of our compatriots who are in Istanbul right now.

According to the European Mediterranean Seismological Center, on March 9 at 8.28 Moscow time, fluctuations of the earth’s crust were also recorded in the Black Sea, and the earthquake here was even more powerful than in the Marmara – its magnitude was 4 points.

– In general, it was shaking 82 kilometers from here, – says the Russian woman, permanently residing in Istanbul. “But in some areas, they say, tremors were felt. In general, Istanbul on suitcases. Everyone who has a place is leaving. It’s easier for tourists. And many Istanbulites themselves now have relatives from Hatay.

According to the Turkish authorities, the damage caused to the country by the elements, since its first crushing blow on February 6, already equals $80 billion. And this is not only directly destruction, but also their consequences: the affected provinces mainly produced agricultural products for export, and now this production has fallen by 40%. The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture warns that exports from the earthquake zone fell from $2.947 billion in 2022 to $1.783 billion, which, translated from the language of numbers, means a hole in the treasury. And the UN calculated that the damage to the country could exceed $ 100 billion – and this is only if there are no new earthquakes. But, alas, they continue.

“Now we are all talking about the swine attitude of the authorities towards refugees,” a Russian-speaking resident of Istanbul shares. – They are outraged that they are thrown out of the hotels. In general, it is not clear where the families left without a roof over their heads should go.

Rumors of popular anger over the attitude towards the victims of the disaster, apparently, reached the very top: the President of Turkey, together with the first lady, personally visited the family that survived the Hatay tragedy and promised all their comrades in trouble help and support.

– They promise to promise, but in reality it’s a mess, – assures the Russian-speaking guide from Kemer, who is also already sitting on his suitcase. – I found a place in Cyprus, I’m leaving the day after tomorrow. The authorities dumped both refugees and holes in the budget for the tourism industry – accept everyone, and send money to the treasury. But nothing comes out. In order for tourists to come, it is necessary to bring hotels into readiness for the season. But even this is pointless if there are new shocks.

On the Turkish Riviera, both locals and guests of the coast are discussing the mass eviction of destitute victims of the elements, scheduled for March 15. Everyone takes pity on people and resents hoteliers, although some of them almost cry themselves.

– My refugees live on full board, – says the owner of a small hotel in Side. “Everything at my expense, no payments from the authorities. Of course, I wouldn’t kick anyone out. But how can a hotel support itself?!

– Do you also exhibit your guests from the disaster zone on March 15?

– No, I leave my 3 refugee families until April 1st. And then I will relocate them myself, since the state cannot. I found them a big house for everyone in a non-resort place and rented it myself.

Apparently, it was not in vain that Turkish officials reacted calmly to reproaches about refugees being expelled to nowhere: “Don’t worry, this is Turkey.” Without waiting for any steps from the authorities, the hoteliers of the Riviera began to gather and develop their own corporate plans and proposals. It was there that a proposal was made to rent empty houses at their own expense and instead of hotels to accommodate refugees there.

– Unlike the authorities, we cannot leave our fellow citizens in trouble, – the hotelier from Side concludes. “Many of my colleagues are also going to rent houses for their evicted people themselves, so soon entire refugee settlements will appear, arranged by the hands of hotel owners. And from above they only rush: release, repair soon, otherwise Novruz is on the nose (March 20 is the Zoroastrian New Year according to the solar calendar – auth.), and with it tourists from Iran.