Participation to Compulsory Earthquake Insurance System in the Southwestern Turkey After the 2023 Earthquake

Earthquake is a foremost natural disaster with its potential of occurrence and frequency for Turkey. The recent Kahramanmaras earthquake that took place in the southeastern Turkey in 2023 was catastrophic. This catastrophe reminded the necessity of having awareness of and getting prepared for potential awaited earthquakes. With this research it was aimed to measure the intention of the society to get prepared for earthquakes in the southwestern region of Turkey that pose significant earthquake risk. The probability of having compulsory earthquake insurance (CEI) was estimated in Finike and Demre towns of Antalya, Turkey in 2023 posterior to the Kahramanmaras earthquake. It was understood that with rising education, awareness and age, the probability of having insured rises in the representative districts. Yet, with ageing residency/building and random information, the probability declines. This early response emphasized the importance of scientific information of the society and better promotion of precautionary actions in the region and in Turkey.