Communication Management in a Disaster: February 6 Earthquakes in Türkiye Case Study

Authors : Serhat Yılmaz, Deniz Akbulut

Pages : 57-76

Doi:10.70684/silet.1641426

View : 114 | Download : 174

Publication Date : 2025-12-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Communication constitutes one of the most crucial components of disaster management, as it does in all management systems. However, even within the universally accepted integrated disaster management approach, communication often fails to receive the attention it deserves. Yet, errors or overlooked deficiencies in communication processes can escalate into major crises. Therefore, it is of great importance to have a well-structured communication plan in place before a disaster occurs and to conduct post-disaster evaluations aimed at improving this plan. In this context, the present study, which examines the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, as a case study, focuses on the communication practices carried out by official disaster institutions and disaster managers during the crisis. It also offers recommendations on how to achieve an ideal disaster communication management. Utilizing both content analysis and focus group methods, this research identified three new communication criteria in addition to the 13 existing criteria found in the literature. The study reveals that while communication content primarily focuses on informing the public and maintaining public order, critical elements such as empathy, accurate source attribution, and combating disinformation are insufficiently addressed. It underscores the need for public institutions to integrate communication professionals into decision-making mechanisms and to establish a multi-stakeholder, systematic structure in disaster communication.
Keywords : Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes, Disaster Communication, Communication Management in Disasters, Content Analysis, Focus Group Study

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