The Orta Relief Project, a disaster response undertaken by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) following an earthquake in Turkey June 2000, has been completed.

ADRA Turkey replaced several crucial community elements that were damaged extensively or destroyed by the earthquake. ADRA rebuilt the city’s drinking water system. They also built a primary school that will serve 250 students and constructed a pedestrian bridge that links the school to the community. In addition, a facility was constructed that can serve both as a community center and a gym.

Dignitaries attending the inauguration ceremony for the completed project included the governor of Ankara, the regional governor, members of parliament, the ambassador of China, a Swiss government delegation and other local officials.

Approximately 7,300 people live in the city of Orta, and the province has another five towns and 22 villages. The earthquake affected 70 percent of the city’s infrastructure. In Orta, 512 buildings were damaged, with another 2,038 buildings damaged or destroyed in nearby villages and towns.