Disaster Management Following the Great Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes in 2023, Türkiye

Abstract. Türkiye experienced devastating earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, making it one of the most severe tragedies of the century. This study analyzed the Turkish Government's response strategies to these earthquakes, focusing on crisis communication, response capacity, and crisis management. The study utilized qualitative methodology and purposive sampling, with the government-affiliated Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) as a sample. Starting on February 6, 2023, 25 days of official tweets and press statements from the AFAD were analyzed. AFAD's initial press statement was released 13 minutes after the quake, and the declaration of a level four disaster occurred only 86 minutes after the earthquake, demonstrating that state institutions were fully aware of the severity of the situation. The results indicate to the global community that despite extensive rescue and response capabilities in disaster management, there are still challenges to prevent loss of life. The primary focus should be on disaster prevention and mitigation efforts, prioritizing solid building construction and strict control policies. The presence of over 270 thousands volunteer rescuers is a testament to the remarkable spirit of solidarity. Furthermore, social media played a pivotal role in information management and coordination in the aftermath of the earthquakes.