Dozens of survivors of the earthquake that levelled swathes of Antakya in southeastern Turkey flocked to a mobile food truck giving out free burgers in the city.

“We lost our home and we’ve been sleeping in tents and we’ve been eating (only) the food they’re distributing,” Mehmet said after queueing to come away with two burgers in a box with the fast food chain’s distinctive branding.

“We were walking by and decided to stop because we really like these,” said Mehmet’s companion, also brandishing two burgers. 

Feeding the survivors of the quake, millions of whom have been displaced, has presented a logistical challenge to the authorities and aid agencies.

Many of those living in the tent cities which speckle the worst affected cities close to the quake epicentre have been forced to live off high-calorie survival rations including cakes and biscuits.

“We’re giving out 4,000 standard chicken burgers a day,” said one of the workers on the large lorry trailer that had been converted into a fast-food kitchen.

The chain had been handing out burgers in the city for four days, he said, looking at the queue about 100 people long stretching down the road.

The operation was overshadowed by nearby tower blocks that bore signs of damage sustained during the quake.

One of the servers called out of the service hatch, clutching bags full of burgers.

“Who asked for 20? The special forces?” he queried, gesturing to members of the Turkish security forces waiting nearby.

Not all those waiting were doing so for a change in menu.

“It’s the second day I’ve come here. I don’t like burgers – I never would have come here before this. I’m eating them out of necessity so I don’t stay hungry,” said one man queueing who declined to give his name. 

“I’m taking them for all my family, even the babies.”