Turkey: After the Earthquake (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Oct. 8, 1999 |
| Report Number |
RS20328 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Carol Migdalovitz, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
On August 17, 1999, Turkey was struck by a severe earthquake, leaving about 15,000 dead,
24,000
injured, and 250,000 homeless. The high casualty toll, aggravated by shoddy construction, has been
partly attributed to corrupt builders and government officials. Turkish media, earthquake victims,
and other observers criticized the government and military for their slow responses to the disaster.
Yet, neither the political system nor the government are likely to change soon. Turkey had been in
a recession before the quake, and economic growth will continue to decline in the short term but will
pick up with spending on recovery. Parliament has passed macroeconomic reforms, paving the way
for an International Monetary Fund standby agreement. International support for the earthquake
victims has been remarkable. The U.S. Administration provided aid for rescue and relief, no
longer-term assistance. Israel's response may cement bilateral ties, while those of the European
Union and Greece may help heal strained relations. H.Con.Res. 188 , introduced on
September 22, 1999, commends Greece and Turkey for putting aside their differences in responses
to earthquakes in both countries. See also, see CRS Report RS20253(pdf) , Turkey: Continuity and
Change after Elections , July 6, 1999. This report will not be updated.
