Türkiye Quake: President Erdogan Admits ‘Shortcomings’ As Death Toll Soars Over 16,000

Türkiye Quake: Amid the tragic earthquake that swallowed thousands of people in Türkiye and Syria, the Turkish president, Recap Tayyip Erdogan has conceded ‘shortcomings’ after criticism of his government’s response to the massive earthquake that has killed over 17,000 people in both countries.

Death toll reaches 16,ooo

According to the officials and medics, 12,873 people had died inTürkiye and 3,162 in Syria from Monday’s 7.8-magnitude tremor, bringing the confirmed total to 16,035. The quake has flattened thousands of buildings, trappings an unknown number of people has swamped relief operations already hampered by biting cold weather.

Also Read: Turkey Quake: Newborn Baby Rescued From Rubble; Death Toll Soars Over 9,000

Experts on Türkiye’s situation

After being hit by one of the deadliest quakes, Türkiye has declared a level four emergency that calls for international assistance. Several supporters from dozens of countries including the regional rivals.

Taking notes from current situations, the experts said that Erdogan could strengthen his position if he manages the crisis well. But failure could see him suffer the fate of Ecevit.

As per the Wolfango Piccoli of the London-based political risk consultancy, Teneo said, “An effective emergency response may even strengthen the AKP leader and its party by triggering a sense of national solidarity under Erdogan’s leadership.”

Moreover, the note added, “However, the large scale of the earthquake, ten southern provinces were hit will pose a significant challenge to the government.”

Can’t imagine Erdogan not being impacted: Expert

The Türkiye programme director at the US-based Middle East Institute, Analyst Gonul Tol said that the anger was palpable in Hatay, one of the most affected provinces. She was in Türkiye at the time of the deadliest quake and lost relatives in the tragedy.

“I cannot imagine him (Erdogan) not being impacted by this because of the level of frustration, I saw that anger firsthand. I am sure it will have an impact,” she said.

Tol also said that in 1999, civil society organisations worked tirelessly to help victims. This time, there are fewer because the president has cracked down on many in the wake of a failed 2016 coup.

Speaking to the media, Tol said, “Twenty years later, we are in no better place.” “Erdogan has not only weakened state institutions but he also weakened Turkish civil society,” she added.

However, the Turkish president faces no criticism from most mainstream media, experts pointed out, giving the president an obvious advantage over the opposition