Message on 'earthquake' from Minister Koca: 'I ask for our citizens' forgiveness'

Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca spoke at the 2024 budget negotiations for the Ministry of Health in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

"WE INEVITABLY HAD SHORTCOMINGS"

Minister Koca included the following statements in his speech regarding the February 6 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş:

"On the morning of February 6, our country faced a disaster never seen before. Our pain is still fresh. We are in a period of mourning that will last for years. Earthquakes of this magnitude and scale are events where the greatest possible destruction is compressed into seconds. Material damage can be compensated, but the damage to the souls of the survivors lasts for decades. Once again, I offer my condolences and best wishes to the people of Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Adana, Osmaniye, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Malatya, Elazığ, and Hatay, and to all the people of our country. As a nation, we rushed to the aid of our brothers and sisters in the two major consecutive earthquakes that caused destruction and massive loss of life in our 10 provinces. We displayed unprecedented solidarity. Our state tried to heal the wounds with all its resources. This effort continues. Our nation stood like a mountain beside its state. Were there not shortcomings or deficiencies in this process? Inevitably, there were. Could it not have been done better? We could have done better. However, this should not be forgotten: Disasters have aspects that tie one's hands and feet. Not only may your resources not be enough for you, but in that state of shock, you may not be able to use the existing resources in the most rational way."

HE ASKED FOR FORGIVENESS

"Distinguished Members of Parliament, I would like this word of mine to find an echo in your hearts. As the Minister of Health, I tried to do whatever I could, burying the pain of the lost lives and destroyed cities deep inside me, working day and night. Of course, there were times when I could not reach every need or fulfill every responsibility. For these, I ask for our citizens' forgiveness in your presence."

News Source : 12punto