Earthquake victims in Elazığ speak out! 'The building will collapse on us'

The 5.9-magnitude earthquake that occurred in the Kale district of Malatya was also felt in Elazığ. Residents of heavily damaged buildings shared the terrifying moments they experienced. While 20 buildings sustained heavy damage, earthquake victims have now been forced to take shelter with their relatives. The stories of the victims, who said, "We threw ourselves outside," have brought the painful reality of this natural disaster to light.

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Earthquake victims in Elazığ speak out! 'The building will collapse on us'

Damage assessment work, which began yesterday in the field by expert teams in Elazığ—one of the provinces affected by the 5.9-magnitude earthquake centered in the Kale district of Malatya—is ongoing. So far, 20 heavily damaged and 517 slightly damaged buildings have been identified in the city. Those evacuated from the heavily damaged buildings have settled in with their relatives. The earthquake victims recounted the terrifying moments they experienced to an AA reporter.

"WE THREW OURSELVES OUTSIDE"

Hüseyin Bahçecioğlu, a father of two whose building in the Sanayi neighborhood was damaged in the earthquake, stated that they were caught in the quake while at home.

Bahçecioğlu said the following:

"We were at home, we saw the items falling. It gradually intensified. This time, we waited to avoid panicking. After the earthquake ended, we threw ourselves outside. The table was even left set. Our belongings are still inside. The children's school uniforms and books are inside. The children went to school today without uniforms and books."

Stating that they have settled in with relatives living in TOKİ residences, Bahçecioğlu noted that the area around their damaged home has been cordoned off with tape.

Explaining that officials came and inspected the house, Bahçecioğlu said, "If they give permission, we will hopefully remove our belongings under their supervision." Suat Akdoğan also stated that he was at his workplace during the earthquake and went into shock when he felt it. Explaining that his children were at home at the time, Akdoğan said he left work and rushed home after being unable to reach them by phone.

Stating that he saw his family had exited the building, Akdoğan said, "Government officials came and conducted an inspection. They put tape around the building for safety. We want to remove our belongings as soon as possible. We are staying as guests, and we are looking for a rental house. We expect support from our government."

"I SPRAINED MY ANKLE WHILE ESCAPING"

Sinem Akdoğan also stated that their home was heavily damaged in the earthquake. "My sister and I were at home. The earthquake was felt lightly at first, then it started to accelerate. We looked up and saw dust falling on us, and there were sounds coming from the walls. We didn't know how to escape. I was trying to save my nieces and nephews at the same time. I sprained my ankle while escaping. We experienced great fear. We said, 'The building will collapse on us,'" Akdoğan said, describing the great panic they experienced.