Earthquake in Turkey: Escalating costs threaten economy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE CAR-REPAIR shop where Cihan Cakiroglu worked is gone, his boss is dead, and his August wages, which his now homeless family needs, will never come.
The nearby Goodyear tyre plant is still standing, but most of the employees are too busy searching for relatives or shelter to show up for work.
The social and economic costs of the earthquake are becoming clear. As well as the cost of finding homes and work for the thousands like Mr Cakiroglu, experts say that each day factories remain idle will lead to the loss of a further pounds 190m.
The government, struggling to cut a federal deficit, lacks funds to repair roads, bridges and electrical lines. And, as the area hit provides almost half the tax revenue, it will have even less income to count on.
The cost to the economy could top pounds 13bn, 10 per cent of Turkey's GNP - enough to drag it into recession, experts say. Bulent Akgerman, of the Aegean Young Businessmen Association, wants a six-day working week to overcome the impact of the quake. Others are demanding aid from the international community, which has already provided pounds 316m. (AP)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments