Rotary Voices Podcast Summary: "Still Standing: Part 1"

Released on November 11, 2024 by Rotary Magazine

Introduction: The Earthquake Catastrophe and Rotary’s Immediate Response

The "Still Standing: Part 1" episode of the Rotary Voices podcast delves into Rotary International’s coordinated efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023. Hosted by Andy Choi, the episode opens with a harrowing account of the twin earthquakes—magnitude 7.8 and 7.5—that resulted in over 50,000 deaths, 100,000 injuries, and millions displaced. The destruction spanned an area comparable to the size of Germany, highlighting the sheer scale of the disaster (00:01).

Rotary’s response was swift and multifaceted. Regional leaders in Turkey, including Suat Baizan and Emre Ozturk, initiated a three-pronged relief plan:

1. Emergency Relief: Immediate provision of food, water, heat, and shelter through tent camps in collaboration with Shelterbox.
2. Shelter Solutions: Establishing container cities to accommodate the displaced.
3. Long-Term Recovery: Addressing essential services such as water treatment, education for children, and mental health support (04:25).

Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation mobilized over US$4 million to fund these initiatives, underscoring the organization's commitment to global humanitarian efforts.

Meet the Leaders: Suat Baizan and Emre Ozturk

The episode features intimate portrayals of Suat Baizan and Emre Ozturk, the regional Rotary leaders whose leadership was pivotal in orchestrating the relief efforts. Suat, a knowledgeable and passionate retiree, and Emre, a dedicated businessman, complement each other’s strengths. Their collaboration was essential in navigating the complex landscape of disaster response in southeastern Turkey (02:29; 07:52).

Emre Ozturk reflects on the comprehensive impact of the earthquakes, stating, “...the houses and the hospitals and the schools had all been damaged. So that was really shocking to the people in this region” (04:02). Suat Baizan emphasizes the importance of Rotary’s structured approach in the face of overwhelming aid offers: “...these Rotary principles were key to the relief efforts” (28:33).

Rotary’s Three-Pronged Relief Strategy

1. Emergency Relief:
Rotary’s initial focus was on delivering urgent assistance. Emre Ozturk shares, “...we provided electricity, we provided heaters, we’re providing everything that we need” (11:29). The establishment of tent cities, such as the one in Iskandarun, housed 860 people and provided critical shelter in the immediate aftermath.

2. Shelter Solutions:
With 1.5 million people left homeless, Rotary transitioned to building container cities. These container homes are fully equipped with essentials like toilets, showers, cooking utensils, and comforts such as televisions and gardens. Emre Ozturk highlights the collaborative global effort, “...funds from all over the world... Monaco, India, Japan” (13:14), enabling the construction of 350 container homes across four affected cities.

3. Long-Term Recovery:
Beyond shelter, Rotary tackled long-term needs. Emphasis was placed on restoring basic services and supporting mental health. Eileen Ozkan, a Rotary-affiliated psychologist, explains the mental health initiatives, “...we developed an online therapy platform to address ongoing mental health needs for earthquake survivors” (23:33).

On the Ground: Visiting the Relief Projects

One year post-disaster, Rotary Magazine’s JP Swenson and Hannah Shah journey to southeast Turkey to witness the fruition of Rotary’s efforts. Their visit includes:

a. Iskandarun Tent City:
Hosted by Sezgin Azulu, a local rotary member, this tent city was among the first to receive Rotary’s aid. Sezgin recounts the terrifying experience of the earthquake and the immediate chaos: “It was total darkness. He grabbed his children and wife... walked through the rubble” (08:27). Rotary’s partnership with Shelterbox ensured rapid deployment of tents, providing a safe haven swiftly (10:02).

b. Antakya Container City:
Antakya, one of the hardest-hit cities, now hosts a vibrant container city where former survivors like a clothing shop owner and a bakery proprietor have rebuilt their lives. Residents express gratitude for the improved living conditions compared to tent shelters. For instance, one resident remarks, “So this is 21 square meters, but they are very happy living” (15:17).

c. Samanda’s Community Outreach:
In rural Samanda, Rotary initiatives extend beyond shelter to community healing. Demet Ozal, a puppeteer and Rotary member, uses playful interactions to help children regain a sense of normalcy: “The first step for children to recover from a traumatic event is returning to a sense of normalcy” (22:25). Additionally, mental health professionals like Eileen Ozkan and Orhan Goren provide ongoing psychological support through innovative programs (23:17).

Personal Stories: Resilience and Hope

The episode spotlights individual stories that illustrate the human impact of Rotary’s work:

• Cesgin Azulu, a civil engineer and Rotary president in Iskandarun, played a crucial role in coordinating aid and ensuring the swift establishment of tent camps. His leadership exemplifies Rotary’s dedication to community service.

• A Survivor’s Humor: Despite the trauma, one resident maintains a lively sense of humor, encapsulating the resilience of the survivors. He jokes, “He is the world's longest jumper. He can jump from mountain to mountain, too” (16:41), symbolizing the strength and optimism that Rotary aims to foster.

Mental Health Initiatives: Healing Beyond Physical Reconstruction

Following the physical rebuilding, Rotary emphasizes mental health recovery. Eileen Ozkan discusses the critical need for psychological support, noting, “The earthquake did not really care about religion... it represents the unity of humanity” (19:38). Rotary’s online therapy platforms and personalized support systems have been instrumental in addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among survivors, with successes including suicide prevention and community healing activities (25:35).

Rotary’s Global Coordination and Principles

Rotary’s response was characterized by global coordination and adherence to core principles of unity and organized effort. Emre Ozturk reflects on the collective drive to help, stating, “...if something happens, we are all one and we are ready to go and help whoever is needed” (28:24). This unity was crucial in managing the overwhelming influx of aid, ensuring that assistance was both effective and sustainable.

Conclusion and Looking Forward to Part 2

As the episode concludes, Suat Baizan and Emre Ozturk express optimism about Antakya’s recovery and the enduring impact of Rotary’s efforts. The narrative sets the stage for "Still Standing: Part 2," which will explore Rotary’s continued missions in Adeyaman and feature personal stories of loss and hope, such as that of Ferit Bin Zet (29:37).

Notable Quotes

• Emre Ozturk on immediate impact: “...the houses and the hospitals and the schools had all been damaged. So that was really shocking to the people in this region” (04:02).

• Emre Ozturk on mental health: “I think that the soft parts have to be preserved together with putting the concrete and all the steel back in does not really bring back that culture” (05:12).

• Emre Ozturk on Rotary’s unity: “So when the earthquake has happened, it united everybody in this country... [we] have to plan, take time, and really address the exact need” (28:07).

Final Thoughts

"Still Standing: Part 1" masterfully captures Rotary International’s unwavering commitment to disaster relief and community rebuilding. Through engaging storytelling and firsthand accounts, the episode highlights the profound impact of Rotary’s initiatives and the resilience of the affected communities. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in disaster response and the vital role of organized, compassionate leadership in fostering recovery and hope.

This summary was created based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the essence and detailed narratives of the "Still Standing: Part 1" episode of the Rotary Voices podcast.