A powerful hurricane in the Lebap and Mary regions: silence of the authorities and the cost of irresponsibility

A powerful hurricane in the Lebap and Mary regions: silence of the authorities and the cost of irresponsibility The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement «DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan» expresses serious concern regarding the destructive hurricane that struck the Lebap and Mary regions of Turkmenistan. According to available information, strong winds caused significant destruction. Roofs of residential buildings were torn off, structures were damaged, trees were uprooted, and road accidents occurred. Infrastructure was affected, and the lives and safety of citizens were placed under serious threat. However, despite the scale of the disaster, state media and official authorities continue to remain silent. This silence raises serious questions. Since when have natural disasters become a secret? Why were citizens not warned in advance about the approaching danger? Why is there no official information about the extent of the damage and assistance to the victims? Why are state institutions, whose duty is to protect the population, not fulfilling their direct responsibilities? The state bears responsibility for the safety of its citizens. This is not a political issue — it is a matter of life. According to the Constitution of Turkmenistan, human life, safety, and dignity are the highest values of the state. Authorities are obligated to protect citizens, inform them about risks, and take measures to prevent and respond to emergency situations. Timely warning about natural disasters is not a privilege — it is a duty of the state. Informing the population can save lives. Prepared emergency services can prevent tragedies. Transparency and accountability of authorities are the foundation of public trust. Silence, on the contrary, creates danger. When the state hides information, citizens are left without protection. When there are no warnings, people remain unprepared. When there is no official assistance, victims are left alone with their tragedy. This is unacceptable. The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement «DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan» calls on the authorities of Turkmenistan to: — officially acknowledge the natural disaster — provide citizens with accurate information — organize assistance to victims — conduct damage assessments — take measures to prevent similar situations in the future — ensure transparency and accountability of state institutions The state exists to protect its citizens. The lives and safety of people cannot be subject to silence. Every citizen has the right to protection. Every citizen has the right to information. Every citizen has the right to assistance. Silence does not protect people. Responsibility does. Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement «DAYANÇ / Turkmenistan»