19.11.2025 18:17
Due to the construction work on the Onat Tunnel, built by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality to connect the districts of Buca and Bornova, some houses have been demolished, and numerous buildings and streets have developed cracks. Residents in the area expressed that they live in fear at all times and are seeking a solution.
The Onat Tunnel, constructed by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality to connect the districts of Buca and Bornova, has reportedly caused the demolition of some houses in the Atamer neighborhood, while many buildings and streets have developed cracks.
RESIDENTS THOUGHT IT WAS AN EARTHQUAKE, RAN OUT INTO THE STREET
During the ongoing works, residents who felt constant tremors said they panicked and ran out into the street. Necla Köprülü, a resident of the neighborhood, stated that they are waiting for a solution, saying, "We have to live in these houses. We taped the cracks to prevent rats from entering. We cannot find anyone to address our concerns. They are offering us a year's rent. What will I do after a year? I am trying to get by on my retirement pension. We have been shouting for years, but no one hears us. Yesterday, while sitting at home, I thought it was an earthquake and took my children outside. The whole neighborhood was outside. We want a solution. Are you going to make containers? Are you going to set up tents? Whatever you do, just let us out and go. Does there have to be a funeral coming out of here for them to help us? Our mayor should stay here one evening. Let him see the state of the people. Everyone has become a panic attack patient," she said.
CRACKS ARE BEING TAPED UP
Nurettin Çelik, who reported cracks in his house, said, "I am a cancer patient and I sleep in this house. We cannot find anyone to address our concerns. We have explained it many times, but still nothing. We felt like there was an earthquake last night; we are victims. I cannot leave here because I have been receiving cancer treatment for 7 months. We are taping the cracks. Our front door won't close. Bugs are entering the house through the cracks, and we wake up with bugs on us. No one cares about us," he expressed. Çiğdem Bulut, who stated that she moved away from the building next to hers, said, "We can't sleep until morning. Last night, the whole neighborhood was out in the street again. Please hear our voices. So many people have been victimized. The building has separated, and the columns have cracked," she said.