Silver Spring, Maryland -The Orta
Relief Project, undertaken by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency
(ADRA) following an earthquake in June 2000, has been completed. Approximately
7,300 people live in the city of Orta, and the province has another five
towns and 22 villages.
In response to the severe earthquake,
ADRA Turkey offered disaster relief assistance to the Orta area. ADRA Turkey
replaced several crucial community elements that had been damaged extensively
or destroyed by the earthquake. First, ADRA rebuilt the city's drinking
water system. Then it built a primary school that will serve 250 students
and a pedestrian bridge that links the school to the community. In addition,
a facility was constructed that could serve both as a community center
and a gym.
Dignitaries attending the recent inauguration ceremony included the Governor of Ankara, the Regional Governor, Members of Parliament, the Ambassador of China, a Swiss Government Delegation and other local officials. The event received extensive media coverage.
The city of Orta is located in the mountain and plateau region that stretches north of the capital Ankara. There are only a few flat meadow areas, and the main occupations involve agriculture and cattle.
The earthquake affected 70% of the city's infrastructure. In Orta, 512 buildings were damaged, with another 2,038 buildings damaged or destroyed in nearby villages and towns.
ADRA also provided disaster relief for thousands of people following the earthquake that struck in early August 1999.
Contact:
Norma J Sahlin, Media Relations Manager
Telephone: 301-680-6355
Fax: 301-680-6370
Toll-free in USA: 800-931-2372
ADRA International Headquarters
12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD 20904