Google Trends Analysis of 2023 Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Sequence from a Disaster Management Approach

Authors : Zeynep Adak, Ahmet Çetinkaya

Pages : 23-36

View : 203 | Download : 1099

Publication Date : 2024-07-16

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :On 6 February 2023, two devastating earthquakes struck Türkiye and Syria, causing catastrophic loss of life and damage in the region. Türkiye is an active earthquake zone, and strategies for an effective disaster management have vital importance in the geography. In this study, Google search trends are analyzed for the period after the disaster in the region. Breakout search queries in the first week of the disaster are analyzed and categorized by topic. “General earthquake knowledge”, “Comparison with previous disasters”, “Situational awareness”, and “Community disaster recovery” were 4 topics identified in queries. Interest trends in the topics are examined for the first week period. Community disaster resilience is assessed using YouTube search trends in Hatay, the province that had the largest damage. YouTube is considered here as a tool to measure resilient individual behaviors. Analyzing a period of one month following the disaster, signs of community resilience and recovery were identified in search trends by the end of February. Lastly, distribution of Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD)-related search terms are analyzed to figure out the functions of the authority observable in search queries. Informing the community, hazard mapping, coordinating relief activities, and coordinating voluntary rescue and relief workers were the functions identified in breakout search terms. Informing the community had the highest volume in search interests related to AFAD. Results of this study has future implications for disaster management phases of preparedness, resilience and recovery.
Keywords : Google Trends, YouTube, Afet Yönetimi, Türkiye-Suriye Depremleri

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