Every time Turkish farmer Fatih Sik drives his tractor across his cornfields he knows the earth could open up and swallow him at any moment

Living on the brink: the constant threat of sinkholes in Turkish farmland

A farmer’s daily struggle with the looming danger beneath his feet

Two giant sinkholes have already appeared on his land in Konya, a vast agricultural province known as Turkey’s breadbasket. “Anywhere could sink, I keep thinking. And I know I’d be dead at the bottom,” the 45-year-old farmer from Karapinar told AFP. “But I have to work otherwise my family will starve.”

This part of central Anatolia has had sinkholes for centuries, but the frequency and size of the sinkholes have increased in recent years. The land here is under constant threat from the unstable ground beneath it, which can give way at any moment.

As Fatih Sik continues to work his land, he is faced with the fear of the unknown. Will another sinkhole open up and swallow his tractor whole? Will he be able to escape in time? These questions plague his mind every day, but he knows that he has no choice but to keep working to provide for his family.

The community in this region is also affected by the sinkholes, with many farmers living in fear of losing their land and livelihoods to the unpredictable earth. The government has provided limited support, but the residents continue to struggle to make ends meet in the face of this ongoing threat.

Despite the challenges they face, the farmers in Konya remain resilient, continuing to work their land with the knowledge that it could disappear beneath them at any moment. Their strength and determination to overcome this adversity is truly inspiring.

How will this affect me?

If you are a farmer or resident in an area prone to sinkholes, you may also face the ongoing threat of losing your land and livelihood to these natural disasters. It is important to stay informed and prepared for any potential sinkhole activity in your area.

How will this affect the world?

The increase in sinkhole activity in regions like Konya highlights the unpredictable and devastating impact of natural disasters on communities around the world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable land management practices to prevent such disasters from occurring.

Conclusion

The struggle of Turkish farmer Fatih Sik and others like him in Konya is a stark reminder of the fragility of our existence and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As we continue to face the challenges of our changing world, it is crucial that we come together to support those most affected by natural disasters and work towards a more sustainable future for all.