Erdogan acknowledges management problems over large territory devastated by earthquake

Turkey's conservative Islamist President Recep Tayyip Erdogan acknowledged Friday that the authorities are having problems managing the effects of Monday's earthquake because of the huge area affected.  

In a statement to the press in Adiyaman province, which was also hit by the quake, Erdogan again raised the death toll to 18,991 dead and more than 75,500 injured.  

He also thanked the 94 countries around the world that have sent aid since two earthquakes of 7.7 and 7.6 devastated a large territory such as Bulgaria or Cuba in south-eastern Turkey.   

"We are facing one of the biggest catastrophes in our history. There has been serious destruction in 10 provinces," Erdogan said.  

Again, he assured that all destroyed houses would be rebuilt within a year and that the Turkish state would pay rents for a year for people who must settle in housing outside their region.  

"We decided to declare a state of emergency in a disaster area. Unfortunately, some ignorant people are stealing, robbing markets," Erdogan said of a growing problem in the devastated areas.  

"With the state of emergency (in force since Thursday), the Turkish state has taken over the powers in this regard. When those who commit these abuses are caught, the necessary measures will be taken," he warned.  

Numerous videos of alleged looters, caught by ordinary people and then horribly beaten, are circulating on social media.  

"Our army, police and gendarmerie are playing an active role in providing security and assistance. 26 ships, 75 planes, 81 helicopters, more than 12,000 construction teams are working in the region day and night," said Erdogan, who is under increasing pressure from his critics.  

The opposition criticises the ruling Islamist AKP party for failing to foresee such disasters, for wasting state funds that should have been spent on earthquake safety and for obstructing and centralising aid.  

He called on the public not to believe those who talk about the government's inadequate efforts. "Please don't believe them, no matter what institution or organisation or political party is exploiting this work. We will not allow those who plunder or those who want to turn this pain into political plunder," the Turkish president concluded.