Anasay

Abstract

On February 6, 2023, 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes occurred in Kahramanmaraş, in Pazarcık and Ekinözü epicenters. According to the records, more than 50 thousand people lost their lives. This earthquake was also felt in different cities and neighboring countries. Tent cities were urgently tried to be established in earthquake areas and some of the earthquake victims were settled in other cities. In addition, the devastating and widespread effect of the earthquake made it difficult to respond to the earthquake and earthquake victims. The earthquake caused risks in terms of public health as well as loss of life and property. The aim of this study is to examine the psychosocial impact of the earthquake and to conduct an observational study on the importance of sustainability of interventions for earthquake victims. The method of the research is to evaluate the current situation by making an in-depth examination with the observation technique. Within the scope of the study, families settled in Iğdır were visited and observations were made. Within the scope of the research, recording, interview, survey, etc. Ethics committee document was not required as no communication was made. 30 families were included in the observation, and with this observation, the psychosocial impact of the disaster was examined through the media and social media from the first day of the earthquake. Considering the results of the study, first of all, the negative effects of media and social media, including information pollution, pretentious advertising, abuse on earthquake victims; It has been noted that aid campaigns and transportation have positive effects in the context of access. A second result is that the earthquake victims experienced victimization as the aid and support were intense at first and then decreased. Again, the importance of realizing both financial and social support on the basis of a sustainable and healthy organization has been mentioned in the studies. The third conclusion is about categorizing the needs of earthquake victims. In this context, it has been determined that the earthquake victims have material, psychosocial and institutional information needs. The realization of the supports on a continuous, sustainable and organizational basis was stated as the basic proposal of the study.