Rotary Voices Podcast Summary: "Still Standing: Part 2"
Podcast Information
- Title: Rotary Voices
- Host/Author: Rotary Magazine
- Episode: Still Standing: Part 2
- Release Date: November 11, 2024
Introduction: Continuing the Journey in Adeyaman
In the second part of the "Still Standing" series, Rotary Voices delves deeper into the aftermath of the devastating 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes, focusing on the resilient city of Adeyaman in southeastern Turkey. Host Andy Choi introduces the episode by recapping the catastrophic impact of the earthquakes, which claimed over 23,000 lives and injured more than 30,000 people. Rotary International's swift response, orchestrated by regional leaders, has evolved into a multi-million dollar global relief effort that continues to provide essential support to the affected communities.
Andy Choi [00:02]: "In this episode, the journey continues as Rotary magazine editor JP Swenson takes us to the city of Adeyaman, where local Rotary volunteers provided aid and comfort to earthquake survivors despite the great personal loss they themselves suffered."
Adeyaman: A City Frozen in Time
JP Swenson narrates his visit to Adeyaman, painting a vivid picture of the city marked by the iconic clock tower frozen at the exact moment of the first earthquake at 4:17 AM on February 6, 2023. The once-bustling city center now lies amidst rubble and ruins, symbolizing the immense destruction. Despite the devastation, the spirit of the community remains unbroken, thanks to the relentless efforts of Rotary volunteers.
JP Swenson [01:06]: "In Adeyaman alone, Rotary built a field hospital, container homes, an animal hospital, a kindergarten, a water filtration system, and that's just scratching the surface."
Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience
The heart of the episode revolves around Ferit Binzet, a broadcast journalist and dedicated Rotarian from Adeyaman. Ferit's harrowing account of the earthquake reveals profound personal loss, having lost 41 relatives, including his grand aunt and several nieces and nephews.
Ferit Binzet [06:21]: "So now it is one of the worst cities in the region because of the earthquake. It affected here very much more than the others."
Ferit and his wife, Matap, channel their grief into service, distributing pet food to stray animals and supporting their community's recovery efforts. Their home, adorned with Matap's artwork, serves as a testament to their resilience and unwavering commitment to helping others despite their own suffering.
Rotary's Multifaceted Relief Efforts
Rotary International's comprehensive relief strategy in Adeyaman encompasses immediate needs and long-term recovery projects. The organization has disbursed over US$4 million to support various facets of life in the region, from establishing tent and container cities to building medical facilities and schools.
1. Field Hospital and Medical Support
A pivotal project is the operational field hospital, which treats approximately 200 patients daily. Equipped with essential medical devices, generators, and even sleeping containers for doctors, the hospital stands as a beacon of hope amidst chaos.
Suad Baisan [20:53]: "So this is the doctor's first initial room when the patient comes in, the patient, the nurse, the first treatment and where they check the patient. Here."
Chief Physician Mesut Khojedaye, himself a survivor, highlights the collapsed health system post-earthquake and the critical role international healthcare workers have played in preventing further system collapse.
Mesut Khojedaye [21:44]: "The health system also collapsed because there was even no place to bury the dead. They were just lying in the corridors in the hospitals."
2. Container and Tent Cities
Rotary established tent cities to provide immediate shelter, later transitioning to more permanent container cities equipped with necessities such as TV units, utensils, and adequate bedding. These living spaces are named "Imagine Street" and "Hope Street," symbolizing the community's aspirations for recovery and rebuilding.
Ferit Binzet [18:14]: "We set up the tents and then there were some other needs for those people living in the tent cities. People needed a blanket, kids, clothes, beds, mattresses, anything you can imagine."
3. Animal Hospital and Pawbulance
Addressing the often-overlooked needs of animals, Rotary funded the establishment of an animal hospital and a unique pet ambulance, affectionately named "Pawbulance." This clinic, dedicated to Proteo—a heroic search and rescue dog who perished during the earthquake—serves both stray and domestic animals, ensuring their health and well-being.
Matop [29:46]: "Proteo was a Mexican search and rescue dog who came during the earthquake. Proteo saved two lives under the rubble and then he had an accident during the rescue and he lost his life here."
Community Healing and Mental Health Support
The psychological toll of the earthquakes is immense. Survivors like Ferit and Matap find solace in their work with Rotary, which not only provides physical aid but also fosters emotional healing. By engaging in community support and rebuilding efforts, they help restore a sense of normalcy and hope among the survivors.
Ferit Binzet [34:52]: "Relieves them a lot. That was the thing that rehabilitated us, helping the other people."
Sustainable Long-Term Projects: Education and Water Filtration
Looking beyond immediate relief, Rotary's initiatives in Adeyaman prioritize sustainable development. Rebuilt kindergartens funded by international Rotary zones ensure that children have access to education and a safe learning environment. Additionally, water filtration systems provide clean drinking water, addressing a critical need for long-term health and sanitation.
Saliha Oslam Atli [26:55]: "The first thing they needed was love, caring, and then environment for school. So they didn't have it at the beginning. So at first, since the families were also affected by the earthquake and they had traumas as well, they didn't care for their children."
Hope and Future Aspirations
Despite the extensive damage, the residents of Adeyaman hold onto hope for a brighter future. Children, who represent the next generation, aspire to become teachers, inspired by the dedication of their educators. Ferit and Matap's relentless efforts exemplify the community's resilience and commitment to rebuilding their lives.
Sadet Picciarici [24:19]: "Thanks God thousand times. We are praying for those who really helped us. And since I'm also old and living alone, life is very difficult for me."
Conclusion: Resilience Through Rotary's Support
"Still Standing: Part 2" highlights the profound impact of Rotary International's comprehensive relief efforts in transforming Adeyaman from a city devastated by earthquakes to a symbol of resilience and hope. Through medical support, sustainable housing, educational initiatives, and animal care, Rotary has touched every aspect of life in Adeyaman. The personal stories of Ferit and Matap underscore the profound human spirit and the crucial role of community support in overcoming tragedy.
Ferit Binzet [35:19]: "Thank God there is Rotary. Thank God I'm a Rotarian. Thank God we have friends like Governor Emre and people all around the world."
As the city continues to rebuild, the collaboration between Rotary members and the local community remains a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the strength of human connections and organized aid can lead to remarkable recovery and renewal.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Suat Baisan [03:03]: "Rotary has done a great, great work here, so I'm really proud."
- Ferit Binzet [12:40]: "If the dead bodies were being transported by trucks, then Adeyaman is finished."
- Ferit Binzet [17:14]: "When we reported no needs, Emre governor, he provided tents, but this was like a race."
- Sadet Picciarici [24:19]: "Thanks God thousand times. We are praying for those who really helped us."
Final Thoughts
"Still Standing: Part 2" serves as a testament to Rotary International's enduring commitment to disaster relief and community rebuilding. Through vivid storytelling and personal testimonies, the episode not only chronicles the challenges faced by Adeyaman but also celebrates the indomitable human spirit supported by global solidarity. For those seeking inspiration and understanding of Rotary's impactful work, this episode offers a comprehensive and heartfelt portrayal of resilience and hope.