In the words of Fatima Oron: “Earthquakes turned me into a hero: I saved my husband from the rubble”

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Fatma and Hasan Oren have been happily married for 33 years, and they live in Akpez Province, Hatay. When earthquakes hit 11 cities in Turkey on the night of February 6, Fatma found herself trapped with her husband under rubble. Having made her way, she bravely returns to save her husband.

Fatma Orun rescued her husband Hasan Orun from the rubble following the February 6 earthquake in Turkey. Photo: UN Women/Elkin Esciphlivan.

Hassan is a retired government official who used to work as a taxi driver until the earthquake. His wife, Fatima, talks about the times before and after the earthquakes:

I am a housewife. You have made savings for me and my family out of my husband’s income in the best way possible. I bought a house for us, and then another for my son. I sacrificed so much for this, that I wore the same blouse every day for years. In the end, I am proud that I never had to depend on anyone other than myself.

Before the earthquakes, we had a happy life. We’d have breakfast in the morning, go out for a walk in our taxi, and spend some time in nature. Everything changed on the night of February 6th.

When the earthquakes hit, my husband and I were sleeping in our third floor apartment. The building shook violently, and the sounds were loud and terrifying like explosions. When it was finally over, everything was black, and I felt trapped between the walls. After a while, I noticed a faint light in the rubble and used my fingernail to scratch a hole large enough for him to escape. To my surprise, I realized we were no longer on the third floor; The floors collapsed below us, and I was out.

I saw the destruction around me, people outside trying to survive. I called my husband, but he was nowhere to be found. People tried to calm me down and said they would find him, but I knew he needed me. I continued screaming until I heard his voice. He called my name and I heard him say he didn’t see anything. Using the stone, I hit the wall to help him follow the sound. When he approached, I opened up enough room for him to escape, and we reunited. He is my partner for life, and I can’t imagine living without him.

We lost everything we had that night, including our relatives, our house, our car, and our son’s shop. I am currently living in a tent with my husband and son. It was hard adjusting to this new way of life. We are not sure what the future holds for us. Since the earthquakes we have been staying in this temporary shelter. Once the container city is built, we will move there and stay for a year. We heard that safe buildings will be built in the area. Until then, we are doing our best to adjust and rebuild our lives.

For women and girls in similar situations here, hygiene and security are essential. It is difficult to maintain these needs while living in a temporary settlement. Since the earthquake, I have been washing and wearing the same clothes, and I know that maintaining personal hygiene is vital to avoiding getting sick.

I’ve always been independent and self-sufficient, and I know things will get better with time. I will continue to do everything I can for my husband and son, no matter what life throws our way.

UN Women Turkey is actively working on the ground against the devastating effects of the earthquake on women and girls in coordination with public authorities, civil society and UN agencies. If you would like to support the efforts of UN Women in the earthquake zone in Turkey and help women, girls and their families who are in dire need, please donate here.

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