When a devastating earthquake hit southern Turkey February of 2023, nearly 100,000 people were displaced – deepening the region’s shelter crisis. Over half a million were already homeless, now left even more vulnerable. As aftershocks kept communities fearful of returning home, we knew action could not wait.
In alliance with Habitat for Humanity, Miyamoto Relief is implementing a 24-month shelter response program that will facilitate the return of displaced persons to immediately habitable and rapidly repairable homes through assessments, technical guidance, and communications campaigns. Our engineers classified building safety and developed seismic retrofitting techniques to rehabilitate structures.
So far, over 30,000 buildings have been thoroughly assessed – identifying over 1,600 as undamaged or lightly damaged and viable for rehabilitation. Over 10 repaired shelters now provide safer refuge from aftershocks. Our collaborative efforts continue gaining traction, with many more homes undergoing light repairs. By equipping communities with the knowledge and resources to rebuild resiliently, we are restoring security and stability for Turkey’s most vulnerable families. Their strength and perseverance motivate us onwards.
Tuba İNAL is a Turkish engineer working with Miyamo to-Protek to conduct door-to-door assessments in earth quake-impacted cities.
“I have a responsibility to help because I’m an engineer. I analyze sites, but I also have to understand people. Sometimes people have had traumatic experiences, and I am honored to lend a hand,” says Tuba. “There have been damage assessments before, but no one has helped families with repairs. My family and friends tell me that even if you can touch just one person’s life in a good way, it is enough.”
Many families are still afraid. Building trust, she says, is a big part of her job and something she believes women engineers are particularly good at. “Most of the team is male, but being a woman engineer is an advantage. I think people tend to trust women. Sometimes they feel I am like their daughter; they thank me for the information and allow me to conduct the building analysis.”
Tuba is motivated to keep supporting earthquake survivors and community recovery efforts. She is grateful for the chance to have a positive impact during a devastating time for the country. Tuba’s dedication represents the spirit of service that makes recovery possible. Tuba İNAL is a Turkish engineer working with Miyamoto-Protek to conduct door-to-door assessments in earthquake-impacted cities.
“I have a responsibility to help because I’m an engineer. I analyze sites, but I also have to understand people. Sometimes people have had traumatic experiences, and I am honored to lend a hand,” says Tuba. “There have been damage assessments before, but no one has helped families with repairs. My family and friends tell me that even if you can touch just one person’s life in a good way, it is enough.”
Many families are still afraid. Building trust, she says, is a big part of her job and something she believes women engineers are particularly good at. “Most of the team is male, but being a woman engineer is an advantage. I think people tend to trust women. Sometimes they feel I am like their daughter; they thank me for the information and allow me to conduct the building analysis.”
