Efforts continue to meet the needs of the press members working in the provinces affected by the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes, described as the "disaster of the century".
The Directorate of Communications immediately converted to a 24-hour working schedule at its headquarters in Ankara and in the regional directorates in the provinces where the earthquake occurred, providing spaces to facilitate the work of the press members on the ground.
Press members on the ground were provided assistance, including working areas and accreditation procedures. Press centres were established for reporters in the earthquake-affected areas.
In this regard, the press centres in the Regional Directorates in Adana, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa, as well as the tent press centre in Kahramanmaraş and the AFAD Crisis Centre in the İskenderun district of Hatay, were made available for the media members.
13 caravans allocated to reporters
A total of 13 caravans were allocated to press members for their work, three in Kahramanmaraş, three in Gaziantep, three in Adıyaman, one in Malatya and three in Hatay.
Press members were also given the supplies they required on the ground, such as power banks, vacuum flasks, bags, cleaning supplies, protective clothes, and masks.
The necessary steps have been taken to ensure that journalists who do not have a press card can continue to work without interruption. In addition, temporary accreditation cards were issued to facilitate the work of the international media.
In this regard, various meetings were held with national and international media members, and the Directorate of Communications desks were set up at Istanbul and Sabiha Gökçen airports, with staff assigned to ensure information flow.
Hosting service to international press members
The accreditation of national press members travelling to the region from İstanbul was completed, and transportation was arranged for them. Hosting service was provided to international press members, and coordination was made with the relevant institutions to assist them in obtaining shooting permits when necessary.
As a result, while supplies such as food, blankets, clothing, and hygiene products were distributed to earthquake survivors in the region, employment and chances for rapid communication were also provided to the press.