Direct cost of Türkiye's 2023 earthquakes reached $104 billion

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has quantified the staggering economic impact of the devastating February 2023 earthquakes, revealing a direct financial cost of $104 billion and indirect damages estimated at $150 billion. The announcement was made during a commemoration ceremony in Osmaniye, one of the 11 southern provinces ravaged by the twin tremors centered in Kahramanmaras.

Scale of the disaster and reconstruction claims

President Erdogan described the earthquakes as "one of the greatest disasters in our history" in terms of both human loss and economic devastation. He asserted that the Turkish state and nation worked in solidarity to heal the wounds, rebuilding and revitalizing the affected cities within three years. He highlighted a major reconstruction milestone, stating that "455,000 houses" have been delivered to survivors across the quake zone. A separate report from the Turkish Strategy and Budget Office indicated that approximately $91.5 billion has been spent on compensation and recovery efforts over the past three years.

Erdogan's rebuttal to critics

In his speech, President Erdogan issued a sharp rebuke to those who criticized the government's disaster response, accusing them of exploiting the tragedy. He labeled critics as "earthquake tourists" who used the disaster zone for photo opportunities while spreading "slander, lie, or disinformation" without aiding survivors. This defense framed the government's actions as a unified national effort, with Erdogan concluding, "We showed the world Türkiye's strength once again."

Historical context and ongoing challenges

The earthquakes of February 6, 2023, rank among the deadliest natural disasters of the 21st century, causing tens of thousands of fatalities and leveling entire city districts. The combined direct and indirect cost of $254 billion represents one of the largest financial impacts ever recorded for a seismic event. While the government emphasizes rapid reconstruction, many survivors and opposition groups have continued to voice concerns over the quality of new housing, urban planning, and the pace of recovery, particularly in hardest-hit provinces like Hatay.