Urban Disaster Governance and Experiences of Earthquake Beyond the Disaster Region

When a disaster occurs, attention is immediately focused on the affected region and continues throughout the recovery process. However, social groups beyond the region are often overlooked. After the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Turkey on 6 February 2023, hundreds of thousands of people were forced to relocate to different parts of the country. The capital, Ankara, quickly became the preferred destination for these forced migrations, turning it into a hub for those so displaced. This study examines the experiences of earthquake victims in a city located far from an earthquake zone. A convenience sample of 531 individuals affected by the disaster and residing in Ankara was selected. Respondents from various cities in the earthquake region, with a range of levels of education, age, and occupational backgrounds, participated in the survey. Ankara was chosen as a destination due to its safety in terms of earthquake, health, and education opportunities. The experiences of individuals following the earthquake vary significantly depending on whether they live at home, in a dormitory, or in a guest house. Those affected by the earthquake used different strategies to manage the crisis, as based on their social and economic status.